Toxicity and biochemical mechanisms of ozone.

Ozone is a reactive environmental oxidant molecule whose deleterious effects are enhanced by interaction with other photochemical oxidants. While the pulmonary system is the primary target for ozone toxicity, at a morphological and biochemical level, extrapulmonary toxic effects are well documented. The consequences of exposure to ozone depend on its concentration and are influenced by genetic and host factors. Ozone damage is in part mediated via free radicals formed in the processes of direct peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids by ozone and oxidation of proteins, amines, and thiols. Antidoxidants such as Vitamin E which scavenge the chain-propagating free radicals and stop antioxidation serve as protectors in ozone-induced toxicity.