How  is  ozone  formed  as  a  low  level  pollutant? 

Ozone is found naturally on earth surface, however only in low concentrations. The two prominent sources from which it originates are hydrocarbons and small amounts of stratospheric ozone. Hydrocarbons are released by plants and soil as byproducts, and the small amount of stratospheric ozone sink down from the stratosphere and come to rest on the surface of earth. Although toxic, neither the hydrocarbons or the excess stratospheric ozone  can contribute enough ozone to pose a threat to the health of humans or the environment.

Okay, so what's the problem?

Due to the industrialization of cities, human activities are now the main source of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides on earth.  The main sources of the hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides being; cars, fossil fuel power plants, and oil refineries.

I still don't understand,What Has this got to Do with me?

Well, cell damage by oxidation and tissue decay have been linked to exposure to ozone. Ozone has also been found to hinder an athletes stamina, cause individuals with asthma to have longer and more frequent coughing fits, cause chest pain, irritation of the eyes, nausea, headaches and chest congestion and discomfort. It can also worsen diseases which are currently affecting an individual including emphysema and heart disease.

THE FORMATION OF TROPOSPHERIC OZONE

Tropospheric ozone is formed by the interaction of sunlight, particularly ultraviolet light, with hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides


Ozone's effects on the environment

Ozone can affect plants in a variety of ways. High concentrations of ozone cause plants to close their stomata. Stomata are cells on the underside of a leaf which allow carbon dioxide and water to diffuse into the plant tissue. the resulting effect is the slowing down of photosynthesis and plant growth. Ozone can also directly damage cells within the plant, after entering through the stomata. 

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