How is ozone both beneficial and damaging? How can we prevent the damaging effect of ozone?

Ozone (O₃) plays a dual role in Earth's atmosphere, acting as both a protector and a pollutant, depending on its location.

Beneficial Effects of Ozone
Stratospheric Ozone:

Protection from UV Radiation: Ozone in the stratosphere, often called the ozone layer, absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly the more dangerous UV-B and UV-C rays. This protects living organisms on Earth from DNA damage and other harmful effects of excessive UV exposure.
Damaging Effects of Ozone
Tropospheric Ozone:

Air Pollution: Ozone at ground level, in the troposphere, is a major component of smog. It is not emitted directly but forms when pollutants from vehicles, industrial facilities, and other sources react in the presence of sunlight. This ground-level ozone can cause respiratory problems, aggravate asthma, and reduce lung function.
Vegetation Damage: Ground-level ozone can harm vegetation and ecosystems, leading to reduced agricultural yields, forest decline, and loss of biodiversity.
Material Degradation: It can also accelerate the degradation of materials such as rubber and plastics.
Preventing the Damaging Effects of Ozone
To mitigate the harmful effects of ground-level ozone, several measures can be taken:

Reduce Emissions of Precursors: Ozone forms from nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Reducing emissions from vehicles, industrial processes, and power plants can lower ozone formation. This can be achieved through stricter regulations, cleaner technologies, and the use of alternative energy sources.
Promote Public Transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation, carpooling, biking, and walking can reduce the number of vehicles on the road, thereby lowering emissions of NOₓ and VOCs.
Implement Cleaner Technologies: Using cleaner fuels, adopting electric and hybrid vehicles, and implementing advanced emission control technologies in industries can help reduce ozone precursors.
Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in homes, buildings, and industries can reduce the demand for electricity, which in turn can reduce emissions from power plants.
Public Awareness: Educating the public about the sources and health effects of ozone pollution can encourage behavior that reduces ozone precursor emissions, such as reducing vehicle use and avoiding the use of gasoline-powered equipment during peak ozone times.
By taking these measures, we can protect the beneficial stratospheric ozone layer while minimizing the harmful effects of ground-level ozone.