ENVS 2000 Uleth "Health Effects of Ozone"

Dr. P: Hello and welcome to another episode of Dr.Philip, today's show is all about Health Effects of Ozone. Now let me introduce our first guest, some would call him a true hero in the fight against UV radiation, Stratospheric Ozone.

S.O.: Hi thanks for having me on your show!

Dr. P: Now tell me how you came to be

S.O. : Well doctor Philip that is a very interesting question. After being formed by natural reactions that involve the absorption of solar UV radiation by oxygen molecules that break into single oxygen atoms. These atoms then join with other oxygen molecules resulting in me O-3 or as my friends call me ozone.

Dr. P: Very informative, but how do you serve to protect people?

S.O.: I absorb most UV radiation before it reaches people on the ground. And as most of you know UV radiation affects your skin, eyes, and immune system. Skin affects can be as innocent as sunburn or as deadly as melanoma. UV radiation damages the eyes, which can result in cataracts and other damage to the cornea. UV exposure also reduces immunological defenses and decreases effectiveness of vaccines.

Dr P.: But let me get me one thing straight, I've heard some people say that Ozone is a pollutant and is bad for people.

S.O.: Oh, you are thinking of my evil twin brother ground level ozone.

Dr P.: Well we have a surprise for you! Here now is your brother ground level ozone!

G.O.: Ha Ha Ha hello everybody.

Dr.P: So ground level, how do you get formed?

G.O.: I am not directly emitted to the air but am formed through the reaction of volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides, which are produced by motor vehicles and a varity of factories, in the presence of heat and sunlight. I can then be transported hundreds of miles by wind.

Dr. P: And what makes you the evil brother?

G.O.: Well I cause coughing, irritation of the airways, discomfort in the chest when breathing, premature aging of the lungs, aggravation of asthma, emphysema and other respiratory diseases and also increase the risk of respiratory infections. Some people think of it as a sunburn ON YOUR LUNGS! HAHAHA.

Dr.P: Well it seems to me, and I hope to the rest of America that we should protect stratospheric ozone and try to reduce concentrations of ground level ozone.

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