What are the effects of Ground-level Ozone?
Ground-level ozone is a component of smog and a harmful pollutant. 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, stinging eyes, and throat irritation. Breathing ozone can affect breathing 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. Children are the most at risk from exposure to ground-level ozone, since their respiratory systems are still developing and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults do. Elevated ozone levels also inhibit plant growth and can cause widespread damage to crops and forests. Unhealthy ozone levels are a problem across the United States, with nearly 100 cities exceeding the U.S
