Health and Environmental Impacts of Ground-level Ozone

Ground-level ozone even at low levels can adversely affect everyone. It can also have detrimental effects on plants and ecosystems.

Health Problems

• Ozone can irritate lung airways and cause inflammation much like sunburn. Other symptoms include wheezing, coughing, pain when taking a deep breath, and breathing difficulties during exercise or outdoor activities. People with respiratory problems are most vulnerable, but even healthy people that are active outdoors can be affected when ozone levels are high.
• Repeated exposure to ozone pollution for several months may cause permanent lung damage. Anyone who spends time outdoors in the summer is at risk, particularly children and other people who are active outdoors.

Plant and Ecosystem Damage

• Ground-level ozone interferes with the ability of plants to produce and store food, which makes them more susceptible to disease, insects, other pollutants, and harsh weather.
• Ozone damages the leaves of trees and other plants, ruining the appearance of cities, national parks, and recreation areas.
• Ozone reduces crop and forest yields and increases plant vulnerability to disease, pests, and harsh weather.