What is ground-level ozone and what causes it?
Ground-level ozone is generated when nitrogen oxides (NOx) combine with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight, especially with low humidity and light winds. Coal-burning power plants and motor vehicles are the primary man-made sources in North Carolina. NOx is created when fossil fuels – like gas or diesel in autos or coal in power plants – are burned. Q: We have heard for years that we need ozone to block ultraviolet radiation. Now we hear that high levels of ozone are bad for us. Is ozone good or bad? A: It is true that we need stratospheric ozone to block ultraviolet radiation. But ground-level ozone causes lung irritation, especially at higher concentrations, so ground-level ozone causes problems. Q: Rowan County has three ozone monitors, but Cabarrus has none. Is the monitor located on the Rowan/Cabarrus line a good indicator of what’s going on in Cabarrus County? A: Since ozone tends to be a regional issue, it is a good indicator. Ozone covers a widespread
