How does “bad” ozone affect human health and the environment?
Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. “Bad” ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.
Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. “Bad” ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue. Healthy people also experience difficulty breathing when exposed to ozone pollution. Because ozone forms in hot weather, anyone who spends time outdoors in the summer may be affected, particularly children, outdoor workers and people exercising. Millions of Americans live in areas where the national ozone health standards are exceeded. Ground-level or “bad” ozone also damages vegetation and ecosystems. It leads to reduced agricultural crop and commercial forest yields, reduced growth and survivability of tree seedlings, and increased susceptibility to diseases, pests and other stresses such as harsh weather.
Repeated exposure to ozone pollution may cause permanent damage to the lungs. Even when ozone is present in low levels, inhaling it triggers a variety of health problems including coughing, throat irritation, and tightness in the chest. It also can worsen bronchitis, heart disease, emphysema, and asthma, and reduce lung capacity. Children, the elderly and persons with lung disease are most affected, but even health adults can suffer these adverse effects. Because ozone pollution usually forms in hot weather, anyone who spends time outdoors in the summer may be affected. Ground level ozone also damages trees, plants, crops and reduces visibility. EPA’s ozone mapping site provides information on ozone levels in many US cities. If you hear an ozone alert on the news, it means ozone levels in your area are very high that day, and you should try to stay indoors and not exercise vigorously until ozone levels drop again. EPA has several programs to reduce air pollution and ozone concentration
