What is ozone?

Ozone is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms (O3) and is a highly reactive gas that is present in the Earth's atmosphere. It is formed naturally through a series of chemical reactions that occur when ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun hits oxygen molecules (O2) in the atmosphere. Ozone is an important component of the Earth's atmosphere as it helps protect the planet from harmful UV rays. However, at ground level, ozone can also be a pollutant and can cause respiratory problems in humans and animals.