What is Ozone?
Ozone is commonly known as smog at ground level. It is a gas that forms when emissions
from cars, trucks, gasoline powered equipment, power plants, oil-based paints, and solvents
react with heat and sunlight. It is bad because it causes health problems.
Pollution + Heat + Sunlight = Ground-Level Ozone
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Ground-Level Ozone: Ozone that forms at ground-level is harmful and a public
health threat. It is a result of pollution from industrial and commercial sources as well
as individual activities.
The Ozone Layer: Ozone is also located in the upper atmosphere 15-20 miles above
the Earth's surface and is known as the "ozone layer"; it is not harmful. It forms naturally
and it protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays. |
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Six Common Air Pollutants
Ground-level ozone is one of the six common air pollutants, or "criteria"
pollutants, for which the EPA has set national air quality standards. What are the six?
- Ozone
- Particulate Matter
- Carbon Monoxide
- Nitrogen Dioxide
- Sulfur Dioxide
- Lead
Find out how each of these pollutants is formed, how they affect human health and public
welfare, and what is being done to reduce them at EPA's
Six Common Air Pollutants.
Ozone and Health
Ground-level ozone impairs breathing, irritates lungs, causes scar tissue in the lungs, and
damages vegetation. Those most at risk are people with asthma, emphysema, heart conditions, and
children, elderly, and healthy adults engaged in vigorous work or exercise outdoors. On high
ozone concentration days, everyone is at risk.
The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set air quality standards to protect both public health
and the public welfare (e.g. crops and vegetation). Ground-level ozone affects both.
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