How Does Ozone Pollution Affect Ecosystems and the Environment?
Ozone pollution can damage vegetation and ecosystems within and downwind of cities. For instance, ground-level ozone interferes with the ability of plants to grow and store food. Ozone also damages the foliage of trees and other vegetation, tarnishing the visual appeal of ornamental species and urban green spaces. In addition, ozone transported downwind of cities can reduce crop and forest yields. This makes them more susceptible to disease, insects, other pollutants, and harsh weather. Compared to rural areas, cities experience higher rates of heat-related illness and death. The heat island effect is one factor among several that can raise summertime temperatures to levels that pose a threat to public health. Other factors that contribute to heat-related illness and death in urban areas are pre-existing health conditions, access to air conditioning, population age, and within-season temperature variation. Under certain conditions, “excessive heat” also can increase the rate of ground-
