Ozone is a very dangerous air pollutant formed when nitrogen oxide from exhausts is irradiated with UV light, and releases an oxygen atom, which then reacts with an oxygen molecule to form ozone. Photocopiers, laser printers, and automobile and airline exhaust all contribute ozone to the atmosphere. Ozone can irritate airways and eyes, cause headaches, and hinder plant growth. It is also believed to play a role in the die-off of forests. Now, a team of researchers at Toyota Central R&D Labs, Inc., Japan, has developed a nanoparticle-based material that effectively removes ozone from the air. The Japanese team’s promising ozone trap is comprised of two-line ferrihydrite, a mineral made up of iron, oxygen and water. The resulting material is highly porous, consisting of tiny aggregated nanocrystals, which absorb ozone especially well. The material could lead to a new generation of ozone filters for use in aircraft and air-cleaner devices, as well as filters in ventilation and air-conditioning ducts in offices and houses. The team’s findings were published in the journal Angewandte Chemie.