| Summary: | <p>Ozone, a molecule with three oxygen atoms, is at the core of two very different issues: stratospheric ozone depletion and ground-level ozone formation. Ground-level ozone is formed when vehicle exhaust and some other chemicals commonly used in industry or vehicle outlet mix in strong sunlight. Even at relatively low levels, ozone may cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract, particularly during physical activity. The resulting symptoms can include breathing difficulty, coughing, and throat irritation. Breathing ozone can affect lung function and worsen asthma attacks. Ozone can increase the susceptibility of the lungs to infections, allergens, and other air pollutants. Medical studies have shown that ozone damages lung tissue and complete recovery may take several days after exposure has ended.<br />
Ozon research group in Chemistry Dept, Gadjah Mada University provides information on ozone levels in Yogyakarta. Ground-level ozone forms when other pollutants - nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compound gases - react with sunlight. Sources for these pollutants include motor vehicles, power plants, factories, chemical solvents, combustion products from various fuels, and consumer products. There are no significant primary emissions of ozone into the atmosphere and all the ozone found has been formed by chemical reactions that occur in the air.</p>
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