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Does chlorine 'too' contributes to ozone formation?

graphic showing how ozone forms

Atmospheric chlorine may be sharing responsibility in adding ozone into the air. According to the UC Irvine scientists, the chemical could be responsible for 10 percent or more of daily ozone production!

Just minutes after entering the atmosphere, chlorine molecules break apart on being exposed to sunlight. And this chlorine photochemistry creates five to eight parts per billion of the maximum daily ozone level, scientists estimate. In California, this level typically ranges from 40 to 80 parts per billion.

Eric Saltzman, professor of Earth system science in the School of Physical Sciences at UCI said,

Chlorine chemistry can have a direct impact on surface ozone even at parts per trillion levels… Because of the strong link between ozone and human health, we need to fully understand the role chlorine may play in ozone chemistry in coastal urban environments.

Via: physorg

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