Ozone is known to cause respiratory problems in humans and to damage plants. However, the ozone layer also protects Earth. Explain the locations ozone can be found, how ozone is helpful, how it is harmful, and what causes the depletion of the ozone layer.
Ozone can be found in two main locations: the troposphere, which is closest to the Earth's surface, and the stratosphere, where the ozone layer is located. In the stratosphere, ozone is helpful as it absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting us from skin cancer and other harmful effects. However, in the troposphere, ozone is harmful as it is a major component of smog and can lead to respiratory problems. The depletion of the ozone layer is primarily caused by the release of certain chemicals, known as ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which break down ozone molecules.
