Air pollutants
Ozone (O3)
What is ozone?
Ozone is a colourless, highly reactive gas with a distinctive odour. It is formed naturally in the upper atmosphere (the stratosphere) and protects the earth from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. However, at ground level, high levels of ozone are produced by reactions involving other air pollutants. Ozone is a secondary air pollutant formed by oxides of nitrogen (NO2) and hydrocarbon reactions occurring in the presence of sunlight.
What are the sources and contributors of ozone?
The primary pollutants from motor vehicle emissions, stationary combustion sources, and industrial and domestic use of solvents and coatings can lead to the formation of ozone.
What are the effects of ozone?
Exposure to ground level ozone causes runny eyes, nose and throat irritations, and breathing difficulties, especially for asthmatics. Ozone also affects heart functionality and increases cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Standards/guidelines for ozone
The air quality target for ozone in Auckland is 150µg/m3 for a one-hour average and 100µg/m3 for an eight hour average.
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