Ozone (O3)

A toxic gas with a penetrating odour, which is deep blue in colour at high concentrations. Ozone is formed predominantly by the effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the ozone layer of the Stratosphere and in the Atmosphere through the reaction of Oxides of Nitrogen with Hydrocarbons under the effect of UV radiation. The principial sources of the ozone formation caused by humans are Motor Vehicles, firing installations and the use of Solvents. Ozone is a strong oxidizing and bleaching agent, which is capable of causing damage both of materials (car tyres, Paint and other coatings, and textiles, etc.) and to plants (brown discolouration of leaves). The damage caused to humans has not yet been investigated in detail. However, there is a great deal of evidence to suggest that ozone lowers the resistance to pathogenesis, affects the function of the lungs and leads to eye irritation. Whether or not ozone exhibits a Carciogenic potential is a matter of dispute.