Which statement regarding ozone is correct?

Ozone is recognized as toxic to humans, especially when inhaled in significant concentrations. It is a powerful oxidizing agent that can cause respiratory issues and other health problems. Breathing in ozone can irritate the airways, leading to symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and shortness of breath, particularly in sensitive groups such as individuals with asthma or other lung conditions.

While ozone occurs naturally in the stratosphere and plays a crucial role in blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, at ground level, where we breathe, it is considered a pollutant and can lead to harmful health effects. This understanding of ozone as a toxic substance reinforces the importance of air quality regulations aimed at limiting its concentration in the atmosphere, especially in urban areas.

In contrast, the other choices imply either a health benefit or harmlessness, which does not reflect the well-documented impact of ozone exposure in air quality studies. Additionally, while ozone is used in various applications, including water treatment due to its effective disinfection properties, its toxicity in relation to human health remains the primary concern when discussing its effects on individuals.