Why is ozone bad for us?
Most people think ozone is good. Ozone is good for us when its up in the stratosphere, 10-15 miles above the earth. In fact, its presence there is essential for the continuation of life on earth. • When ozone forms near the ground – where we breathe the air – its unhealthy. Called ground level ozone or smog, it’s a pollutant that causes respiratory distress, and at high concentrations can lead to lung damage. • One easy way to remember the difference between the two types of ozone is the saying: Good up high, bad nearby. How is ground level ozone formed? Ground level ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) “bake” in the sun on hot summer days. These gases come from unburned fuels, solvents, tailpipe emissions and smokestacks. The topography of the Birmingham area – we’re sort of in a bowl – helps to concentrate these pollutants and hinders their dispersal. Ozone builds up to dangerous levels on summer days when the temperatures are in the 80‘s o
