What is ozone and where can it be found?

Ozone is a highly reactive form of oxygen, consisting of three oxygen atoms (O3). It is a potent oxidant/disinfectant that quickly decomposes to diatomic oxygen (O2), while reacting with targeted organic matter or microorganisms. Ozone is naturally generated in the stratosphere, the upper atmospheric layer that protects us from harmful radiation. Gaseous ozone is formed also in the atmosphere during lightning discharges, and on the earth’s surface by photochemical reactions, UV sterilization lamps, and high voltage electric arcs. The fresh smell after a thunderstorm is ozone at work  cleaning up the pollutants in the air to keep us safe.