"Ozone" a Greek word meaning "Smell". Ozone contains 3 Oxygen atoms
(O3). Ozone concentration in the stratosphere normally remains constant,
with about 12 Ozone molecules for 1 million air molecules, 12 ppm.
There are some fluctuations from volcanic eruptions, seasonal cycle and
the Sun's activity.
The sun radiates Ultra Violet (UV) rays toward the Earth. These rays
take about eight minutes to reach Earth, at a speed of 186,000 miles per
second, which is the speed of all radiation which includes the speed of
light.
90% of Ozone is located between 6-30 miles above the Earth.
In the stratosphere Ozone helps block out harmful Ultra Violet (UV)
rays produced by the Sun. If Ozone were not present in the atmosphere,
life would not exists on Earth as we know it. Most life would
probably exists in the oceans as Ozone does not penetrate deep into
the ocean water.
In the stratosphere Ozone is beneficial to our health however,
Ozone in the troposphere and near the Earth's surface becomes a
primary element in pollution a factor in the "Green House Effect",
and is harmful to human, animal, plant and marine life.
With the help of the Sun the chemical action on Ozone
in the tropsphere produces "Photochemical Smog".
The time of day UV is at a maximum is from 10 am to about 2 pm
when the sun is directly overhead. UV rays cause sunburn, skin cancer
and cataracts.
If you are going to be out doors, the best time to be out of the direct
sunlight is between 10 am and 2pm.
Wear light color clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sun screen lotion
with a number of at least 15.
When using sunscreen be generous with the amount on you exposed skin.
Use the sun screen frequently as the sun does dry it on your skin.
The higher the sun screen number the longer it takes to dry off your
skin, therefor giving you somewhat longer protection between
applications.
"Some Of The Destroyers Of Ozone"
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) Chlorine, Fluorine & Carbon, which are used in
aerosols and coolants. Automobiles are a primary producer on CFC's.
