Ozone (tropospheric)

Definition

Tropospheric ozone is a secondary pollutant formed by the reaction of sunlight, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. It is harmful when present at ground level and contributes to smog formation.

Analogy

Think of tropospheric ozone as a villainous fog that appears on hot summer days. Just like this fog can make it difficult to see clearly, tropospheric ozone impairs air quality and affects our ability to breathe easily.

Related terms

Stratospheric Ozone: A layer of ozone in the Earth's stratosphere that protects us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Air Quality Index (AQI): A measurement used to report daily air quality levels and provide information about potential health risks associated with pollutants such as tropospheric ozone.

Ground-Level Ozone: Another term for tropospheric ozone, emphasizing its presence closer to the Earth's surface rather than in the stratosphere.