What is ground-level ozone?
Ground-level ozone is a colorless gas that can be found in the air we breathe. It is formed through a complex chemical reaction between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight. Sources of manmade VOCs and NOx include: 1) automobiles, trucks and buses; 2) gasoline storage and transfer; 3) large combustion and industry sources such as utilities; 4) industrial use of solvents and degreasing agents; 5) consumer products such as paints and cleaners; and 6) off-road engines such as aircraft, locomotives, boats, construction equipment and lawn and garden equipment. VOC’s are also produced naturally by certain types of vegetation.
