| Ozone is located in the entire
atmosphere, from the land surface to the uppermost layer. The
stratosphere (10-50 km above the land surface) contains about 90%
of the total ozone amount in the atmosphere. The highest ozone
concentration occurs at a height of 20-25 km, where it forms a
layer that absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation which is harmful to
human health and nature. UV radiation is also absorbed by
tropospheric ozone, clouds and air pollution.
A decrease in the stratospheric ozone concentration has been
observed throughout the world since the 1970's, but particularly
during the early 1990's.
Ozone depletion affects photochemical processes in the
atmosphere. This increases air pollution levels, causing impacts
on plants and animals, and human health.
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