Clean Air: Health Impacts

Certain groups are at greater health risk from ozone exposure. These groups include children, older adults, active people, and people with lung disorders. Children are at greater risk because they play outdoors in summer when ozone levels are likely to be higher, their lungs are still developing, and they are more likely to have asthma. Older adults are at greater risk likely because they are more likely to have pre-existing lung disease. Active people, especially those who exercise or work outside, are at greater risk due to greater exposure to ozone. People with lung disorders including asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema are at greater risk from ozone exposure because they experience more serious health effects at lower ozone levels.

Negative effects of ozone include:

• irritation of the respiratory system
• reduced lung function
• inflammation and damage to cells that line the lungs
• increased lung susceptibility to infection
• aggravate asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis
• cause lung damage

The Air Quality Index indicates when ozone levels are unhealthy and is usually reported with the weather forecast, in newspapers, and on websites including the homepage of this website. (Source: airnow.gov)