Ozone Exposure = Health Risk

Ask any asthmatic and you’re likely to hear about summertime coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty in breathing normally. The reason? Ozone that forms when pollution cooks in the sun. Ozone aggravates asthma and other respiratory problems — and we’re all at risk. Ground-level ozone, even at relatively low levels, can inflame and damage cells in your lungs. Long-term exposure to ozone may have permanent health effects that show up in later years.

Some groups of people are more at risk than others. Children are particularly susceptible to ozone’s effects because:
    •    They are the most likely to engage in vigorous outdoor activity during the hot summer months
    •    Children are more likely to have asthma or other respiratory illnesses that may be aggravated by ozone
         exposure
    •    Their lungs are still developing, so they may be more susceptible to ozone than adults

Asthmatics and people with other chronic lung disease such as emphysema and bronchitis are more severely affected by ground-level ozone, because it aggravates their conditions. These people generally experience effects of ozone earlier and at lower levels than less-sensitive people. Adults engaged in vigorous outdoor activities are also at a higher risk for respiratory problems when ozone levels are elevated.

Although we can’t choose what air we breathe, we can choose to decrease the amount of pollution we put into our air. These small steps can make a big difference in air quality:
    •    Conserve energy:
           •    turn off unnecessary lights and appliances
           •    clean air conditioner filters often
           •    close blinds during the day
           •    turn your air conditioner to a slightly higher setting
           •    look for the Energy Star label when buying appliances and electronics
    •    Don’t drive as much
    •    Keep your car tuned
    •    Carpool, walk, bicycle, or use public transportation — especially on hot summer days
    •    Fill your gas tank after sundown when it’s cooler
    •    Be careful not to spill gasoline when filling up your car, lawn mower or other equipment
    •    Make sure your car’s tires are properly inflated and that your wheels are aligned
    •    Keep household and garden cleaners, chemicals and solvents tightly sealed when you’re not using them
    •    Contact your local electric utility district to find out about energy conservation programs
Published: 06/13/2012

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