This energy separates the two Oxygen atoms. Once separated the atoms are free to recombine with other particles. Ozone gas can also be formed at lower altitudes. This happens through the reaction of chemicals such as Hydrocarbons and Nitrous Oxides to sunlight in much the same way as the oxygen reacts to the energy from the sun, this type of reaction creates what is commonly called smog . These chemicals come from the exhaust gas of vehicles which is why smog is often seen above cities such as Los Angeles where the amount of exhaust gases released in quite a small area is very high.
Ozone is beneficial to life on earth when it remains at high altitudes.
When formed at low levels though it becomes very dangerous. Ozone gas is poisonous to humans, animals and plants. Whilst ozone gas is kept high up in the atmosphere it does not cause any direct harm to the inhabitants of the Earth. But it does affect the planet in other ways. Like Carbon-Dioxide, ozone absorbs heat energy that is reflected off the surface of the Earth, this means that the energy stays close to the Earth and is not allowed to escape.