Ozone
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Ozone is a chemical compound consisting of three oxygen atoms. It is represented by the symbol O3.
It is unstable at standard temperatures and pressures, and a powerful oxidizer. At the earth's surface it occurs naturally as a result of electrical discharges, most prominently, lightning. It is also created by man-made sparks, such as in an electrical motor.
In the stratosphere it serves a very important function, by acting to filter out most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation.
Some scientists have measured a thinning layer of ozone over the north and south poles resulting from chlorofluorocarbons, as they act as catalysts to break down the O3 molecules.[1]