Imagine
that the Earth has a shade around it, protecting it from the heat of the
sun. This is called the ozone layer. This layer has holes in it through
which harmful rays get through. You have probably heard people talk about
a "hole" in the ozone layer. Damage to our Earth's giant protective
umbrella is more severe at the South Pole, but even there, no actual "hole"
exists. Over the rest of the world this "umbrella" is becoming
worn out, fragile and thin. But no matter where you stand, you won't find
a true "hole".
If
you have ever noticed the "sharp" clean smell after a thunderstorm
or the "electric" smell of a subway train, then you've smelled
a bit of ozone gas. In large quantities, ozone is unpleasant. It has a
strong odour that irritates the eyes and affects the lungs.
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