Ozone is an unstable gas made up of three atoms whose chemical symbol is O3. It is produced naturally in the stratosphere (a layer above the earth's surface) after the action of ultraviolet solar rays on the oxygen molecules (O2) separating the two atoms, which, when individually associated with other O2 molecules, produce the ozone.
Ozone has a bluish color, strong smell, is highly reactive and therefore a toxic element. It is harmful to any living being. Exposure to ozone severely harms humans (affects the respiratory organs after inhalation, causes skin cancer, blindness, etc.) and nature, preventing growth or even destroying the vegetation. Industrially, it is used as a whitener, oxidizing and sterilizing agent for air and water.
Ozone layer
The balance between the formation of ozone and the emission of ultraviolet rays forms a kind of cover called the "ozone layer", situated at an altitude of more than 30,000 meters. The ozone layer plays an important role in protecting humans, plants and animals from the harmful effects of ozone.
Therefore, attempts to reduce the use of products that can cause the destruction of this important layer. Without it, there would be no life on planet Earth. September 16 is the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
Hole in the ozone layer
Studies have shown that in the Antarctic area, during spring, a hole appears in the ozone layer that has been increasing. In fact, the "hole" means that the thickness of the ozone layer has become thinner. The phenomenon is also verified in other regions of the planet, but the effects in that region are more worrying.
One of the main causes is the use of CFC (chlorofluorocarbon), a gas emitted by some products used in industry. Other polluting substances that cause ozone depletion are nitrous oxides (expelled by vehicles) and CO2 gases emitted by burning coal and oil.
The growing emission of these gases through anthropic actions (performed by man) has also caused a change in the greenhouse effect, causing global warming.
See also the meaning of Chlorofluorocarbon.