The Effects of Ozone on Your Health

Ozone is formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) react with sunlight. NOx is a by-product of high-temperature combustion created by automobiles and power plants. VOCs include organic chemicals that vaporize easily, such as gasoline. Therefore, ozone is found in higher concentrations in urban areas.

What is the Difference Between Good Ozone and Bad Ozone?


Ozone can be classified as both "good" and "bad", depending on where it is found. "Good" ozone is formed naturally in the stratosphere, providing a protective layer from the sun's ultraviolet rays. This type of ozone serves to protect our health. "Bad" ozone is found at ground-level when it is sunny and hot. This type of ozone is harmful to our health.
Immediate Effects of Ozone on Your Health
The following is a list of symptoms that you may experience if ozone levels are high: Coughing
1 Wheezing
2 Pain during deep breathing
3 Breathing difficulty during outdoor activities
4 Shortness of breath
5 Headaches
6 Nausea
7 Throat and lung irritation

If you are already suffering from a lung disease or condition, such as pneumonia, emphysema, asthma, or bronchitis, you may have even greater difficulty breathing when ozone concentrations are high. If you are one of these people, you should check ozone warnings before going outside.
Long-Term Effects of Ozone on Your Health
1 Premature aging of the lungs
2 Decreased lung function
3 Worsened symptoms of asthma, emphysema, and other lung diseases
4 Inflammation and damage of the lining of the lungs

How to Reduce Ozone Health Effects
1 Stay indoors during times when ozone concentrations are high
2 If you must go out, do not exercise or partake in strenuous activities when levels are high. During exercise, the intake of air increases as much as 10 times than when at rest.
3 Keep children indoors. They are especially at risk because their lungs are still developing. Children also inhale more per pound of body weight than adults.
4 Use the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index to plan your activities.

Sources: lungdiseases.about.com