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Household Hazardous Waste
Ozone
Ground level Ozone is commonly referred to as smog. It is formed when a mixture of air pollutants are "baked" in the hot, summer sun. What are the health effects of Ozone? Although it cannot be seen or tasted, elevated levels of Ozone can have a variety of effects on your respiratory system. Who is at risk?
What is Ozone?
Don't we want to save Ozone?
Ozone exists both in the upper atmosphere and the lower atmosphere. It has good and bad effects on us depending on where it is located. In the upper atmosphere ozone shields us from the damaging rays of the sun. Ground level ozone in the air we breathe can cause adverse health effects. Just remember this phrase:
Good Up High, Bad Nearby
>Ozone can irritate your lungs and throat, causing symptoms such as coughing wheezing
>Ozone can constrict your breathing passages, making it harder to breathe
>Ozone reacts with lung tissues, and can cause swelling and chest pain
The health effects are of concern to everyone who works, plays or spends time outdoors, even the healthiest people. The effects can be the most dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with asthma.