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by kanjalid on April 20th, 2005
Ozone exists naturally in the Earth's upper atmosphere, known as the stratosphere, where it shields the Earth from the sun's ultraviolet rays. However, ozone is also found close to the Earth's surface. This ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant.
Ground-level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of nitrogen in the presence of sunlight. Sources of VOCs and oxides of nitrogen include:
• automobiles, trucks, and buses
• large industry and combustion sources such as utilities
• small industry such as gasoline dispensing facilities and print shops
• consumer products such as paints and cleaners
• off-road engines such as aircraft, locomotives, construction equipment, and lawn and garden equipment.
Ozone concentrations can reach unhealthy levels when the weather is hot and sunny with relatively light winds.
Even at relatively low levels, ozone may cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract, particularly during physical activity. The resulting symptoms can include breathing difficulty, coughing, and throat irritation. Breathing ozone can affect lung function and worsen asthma attacks. Ozone can increase the susceptibility of the lungs to infections, allergens, and other air pollutants. Medical studies have shown that ozone damages lung tissue and complete recovery may take several days after exposure has ended.
Groups that are sensitive to ozone include children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma. Sensitive people who experience effects at lower ozone concentrations are likely to experience more serious effects at higher concentrations.
http://www.epa.gov/airnow/consumer.html
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