Ordinary oxygen molecules have two oxygen atoms, ozone has three. Ozone is produced naturally through photochemical and electric discharge reactions. Photochemical production occurs when high energy radiation from the sun strikes ordinary oxygen in the earth's upper atmosphere and converts some of it to ozone. Electric discharge reactions, including lightening and electric sparks from motors, also convert some oxygen to ozone. Ozone is produced commercially by electric discharges in a machine called an ozonizer.

Ozone has a molecular weight of 47,998, pure ozone is a pale

Most ozone in the lower atmosphere is considered an air pollutants. It is formed by chemical reactions between sunlight and pollutants already in the atmosphere. Ozone produced in this manner is a component of photochemical smog. Such ozone can directly damage rubber , plastic, and plant and animal tissue. It may undergo further chemical reactions that produce other damaging chemicals. Exposure to certain concentrations causes headaches, burning eyes, and irritation of the respiratory tract in many individuals

Since the 1970's, scientist have observed that the ozone layer over antarctica thins dramatically every year in the spring. As much as 50 per cent of the molecules may disappear, creating what is called an ozone hole. Scientist believe that antarctica's unusual weather conditions increase the reactions between CFC's and ozone. These conditions include extreme cold, swirling wind patterns, and

Some common words found in the essay are:
Friedrich Schonbein, OH Zohn, upper atmosphere, ozone upper atmosphere, ozone layer, ozone upper, ozone produced, , ozone ozone produced, electric discharge reactions, ozone lower atmosphere, sun's ultraviolet, chemical reactions, 1970's scientist, ozone hole, lower atmosphere, ozone ozone,
Approximate Word count = 617
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)