Ozone in the upper atmosphere is an essential component of the earth's protection from ultraviolet radiation and needs to be protected from substances which can damage it. However, when ozone is formed at low levels it is a precursor to 'smog' which can cause respiratory illness and also harm some plants.
Ozone is formed by a reaction of a wide range of mostly organic chemical pollutants in the atmosphere and the effect is increased by sunlight.
The problem is often most acute in cities where emissions from traffic are the major cause. Factory emissions may also be significant and many processes that release large quantities of ozone forming chemicals have been more tightly regulated and emissions reduced in recent years.
Some of our products may also contribute to air pollution when used by customers. A prime example is paint where the solvent evaporates after painting. ICI Paints has worked to reduce and in some cases eliminate solvents in the last few years. Improvements in technology have developed quick-drying water-based paints that are now readily available, where previously only a solvent-based paint would have been used. In 2005 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified Dulux Lifemaster paint as the industry leader in the development of low or zero levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
