Ozone in Nature

OZONE IN NATURE

Ozone is one of the most important gases in the stratosphere that surrounds our planet (10-50 km altitude). At an altitude of 20 – 30 kilometers, its maximum concentration reaches 1 particle O3 (10 ppm) per 100,000 air particles and is much higher (0.03 – 0.04 ppm) above ground level.

OZONOSPHERE

This protective layer, consisting of ozone, is a filter that absorbs the energy of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which has dangerous and destructive effects on our world and our skin, and prevents them from reaching the earth. Thus, it helps to maintain the biological balance on our planet.

OZONE HOLE

Ozone (O3) in our protective ozonosphere is decomposed due to a complex process caused by industrial gases (including FCKW and other halogens). The reduction of O3 molecules in this layer causes the formation of a widening gap (hole) through which UV rays (which can cause skin cancer and affect genetic processes) pass unhindered, as there is not enough ozone left to filter.

SMOKE ALARM

Ozone can be produced at very low levels, such as in large cities, through exhaust gases or waste from automobiles and factories, and by the interaction of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides, and by the interaction of ultraviolet radiation with oxygen. Although ozone itself does not cause pollution, it is used as an indicator of air pollution because we can measure the amount of ozone in the air very precisely.

OZONE CONCENTRATION IN THE WORKPLACE

The maximum allowable ozone concentration in the workplace is 200 µg/m³ or 0.1 ppm. It should not exceed this level for 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, as it can damage the respiratory tract and mucous membranes. These values may vary from one country to another and are often not obligatory to comply.

INDUSTRIAL OZONE

Industrial ozone consists of a mixture of ozone (O3) gas, which is obtained from the oxygen (O2) gas in the air in the atmosphere, and air, and its main usage area all over the world is the sterilization of the city water network and chemical bleaching processes.

MEDICAL OZONE

Obtained by mixing ozone and oxygen at the exact desired concentration and dose by electrical discharge from pure medical oxygen. Medical ozone concentration corresponds to ozone/oxygen concentrations ranging from 1 to 100 micrograms/milliliter (µg/ml) 0.05% O3 / 99.95% O2 to 5% O3 / 95%. Since the ozone molecule is not stable, its medical form is always freshly prepared in the clinic by a special generator and applied to the patient immediately. Because 1 hour after it is produced, half of the original ozone molecules turn into oxygen molecules and only half of the original mixture remains.