Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Ozone
Date:	8/8/2015 6:40:26 PM

Here is one for you scientists.  I am in Northern Virginia on a work assignment and the local TV stations are always filled with ads trying to influence legislators or policy.

But there is one on the air now that has me scratching my head.  Apparently there are new regulations being proposed regarding ozone, and the ad says that ozone levels have gone down 20% in the last few years and continue to go down, insinuating that the new regulation isn't needed.

Now my understanding may be flawed but I thought ozone protects us from damaging ultraviolet rays by filtering those rays before the hit the ground (or us), and that a 20% reduction is BAD.  Did I fail environmental science 101 or are these people assuming we are incredibly stupid?  Someone please tell me I am wrong!!

Name:	architect -	Reply
Subject:	Ozone
Date:	8/8/2015 10:41:32 PM (updated 8/8/2015 10:43:20 PM)

Not sure what sort of proposal is being supported or opposed in the N VA area and also not too up on Ozone.  I do believe that the helpful and harmful aspects of Ozone depend on where it is located.  The Ozone layer in the upper atmosphere is helpful in filtering harmful UV radiation from the sun.  Ozone in the lower atmospher is harmful as a greenhouse gas though not as harmful or as long lived as carbon dioxide.