What are the ozone effects of concern?
Based on recent studies, the scientific review highlighted several health effects for which the previous ozone standard did not provide adequate protection. Exposure to ambient ozone concentrations has been linked to increased hospital admissions for respiratory aliments, such as asthma. Studies conducted in the northeastern United States and Canada show that ozone air pollution is associated with 10-20 percent of all of the summertime respiratory-related hospital admissions. Repeated exposure to ozone can make people more susceptible to respiratory infection and lung inflammation, and can aggravate preexisting respiratory diseases, such as asthma. Children are most at risk from exposure to ozone because they are active outside, playing and exercising, during the summertime when ozone levels are at their highest. For example, summer camp studies in the eastern U.S. and southeastern Canada have reported significant reductions in lung function in children active outdoors. Adults who are
Primary Standard Secondary Standard Today’s Action… _ EPA is today proposing that revisions to the current 0.12 parts per million (ppm), 1-hour primary and secondary national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone are necessary to protect public health and welfare. _ EPA proposes to replace the current 1-hour primary standard (health-based) with a new 8-hour standard to protect against longer exposure periods that are of concern at ozone concentrations below the level of the current standard. _ Consistent with the advice of its independent panel of scientific advisors, EPA solicits comment on alternative levels of 0.09 and 0.08 ppm, 8-hour average, while proposing a standard set at a level of 0.08 ppm to provide for increased health protection beyond that afforded by the current standard. – Recognizing sharply divergent views held by some public commentors, EPA also solicits comment on retaining the current standard and on an 8-hour standard set at a level of 0.07 ppm. _ EPA
