Here's why:
Helpful:
* Essential for respiration: All living organisms need oxygen to breathe and produce energy through cellular respiration.
* Supports combustion: Oxygen is a key component in the combustion process, which is vital for many human activities, from cooking to generating power.
Harmful:
* Oxidative stress: High levels of oxygen can lead to oxidative stress, damaging cells and contributing to aging and disease.
* Ozone layer depletion: While ozone in the stratosphere protects us from harmful UV radiation, ozone in the lower atmosphere is a harmful pollutant.
Therefore, oxygen is a crucial element for life, but too much of it can be detrimental. It's a delicate balance that makes oxygen both helpful and harmful.
