What is ozone (smog)?
Ozone is an air pollutant that irritates the respiratory system and may cause decreased lung function. Air pollution containing ozone is formed by the photochemical reaction of motor vehicle related pollutants (gasoline vapors and tailpipe emissions) in the presence of high temperature and sunlight. “Ozone alerts” are occasionally issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, usually on hot summer days when the air is stagnant.What should I do to reduce my exposure to ozone? On days with “ozone alerts”, residents should limit strenuous outdoor physical activity, such as jogging, and ball-playing during the afternoon hours when ozone levels rise to unhealthy levels. Ozone levels generally decrease in the evening and can be minimized during daylight hours by reducing automobile travel and by using public transportation, where available. Environmental engineers and sanitarians monitor the permitted releases from industrial and commercial facilities to ensure compl
