Ozone
Ozone (O3) is the triatomic form of oxygen. It is a gaseous atmospheric constituent.
The ozone layer is a layer of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. It is mainly found in the lower portion of the stratosphere, from approximately 15 to 35 kilometres above Earth.
Ozone depleting substances are man-made chemicals that damage the ozone layer. They have contributed to the formation of the 'ozone hole' over the Antarctic.
The emissions of ozone depleting substances increased in the middle to late 20th century, linked to the use of chemicals such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in refrigeration, industrial cleaning, foam blowing and air conditioning.
As a result of the threat of increased ozone depletion, an international agreement was formulated in 1987, known as the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, to reduce the worldwide use of ozone depleting substances.
For more information see: Ozone depleting substances.
NB The glossary of statistical terms, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), defines ground-level ozone as: ‘…ozone present as a secondary pollutant in the lower atmosphere, where its formation can be enhanced by other pollutants. It is highly toxic at levels above 0.1 parts per million (p.p.m.).’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.
Construction contract awards remain buoyant
Infrastructure up but residential struggles.
Home builders call for suspension of Building Safety Levy
HBF with over 100 home builders write to the Chancellor.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2024/2025
CIOB names James Monk a quantity surveyor from Cambridge as the winner.
Warm Homes Plan and existing energy bill support policies
Breaking down what existing policies are and what they do.
Treasury responds to sector submission on Warm Homes
Trade associations call on Government to make good on manifesto pledge for the upgrading of 5 million homes.
A tour through Robotic Installation Systems for Elevators, Innovation Labs, MetaCore and PORT tech.
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.
BS 9991:2024 and the recently published CLC advisory note
Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. Code of practice.