Question

Upper level ozone is harmful to lungs and other biological tissue.

(a) True

(b) False

This question was posed to me in an online interview.

The doubt is from Hydrocarbon Emissions topic in division Engine Emissions and their Control of IC Engine

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(b) False

Ozone is harmful when present at ground level (troposphere), where it is a significant air pollutant, causing respiratory issues and damaging biological tissues. However, upper-level ozone (in the stratosphere) forms the ozone layer, which plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Therefore, ozone in the upper atmosphere is beneficial, not harmful.