Ozone is a chemical compound made up of three atoms of oxygen. It is found in the earth's atmosphere in two layers: the stratosphere, which is located about 10 to 50 kilometers (6 to 30 miles) above the earth's surface, and the troposphere, which is the layer of the atmosphere closest to the earth's surface. In the stratosphere, ozone acts as a protective layer that absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, preventing it from reaching the earth's surface. This is important because UV radiation can cause damage to living organisms, including plants and animals, as well as to materials such as plastics and rubber. However, in the troposphere, ozone can be harmful to living organisms. Ozone in the troposphere is produced by chemical reactions between pollutants, such as car exhaust and industrial emissions, and sunlight. At high concentrations, ozone can be toxic to plants and animals and can cause respiratory problems in humans. Overall, ozone plays a crucial role in protecting the earth from harmful UV radiation, but at high concentrations, it can be harmful to living organisms and the environment.