Summer is definitely here. It’s hot, it’s sunny, it’s the time of year you want to be outside. With all that fun in the sun, though, can come a form of air pollution we’re definitely not excited about: ground-level ozone.
Ecology keeps a close eye on ground-level ozone levels around Washington and issues advisories when levels rise to a point that could affect people’s health. Let’s talk about what ground-level ozone is, what it can do to your health, how you can help prevent it, and how to find out when levels are unhealthy.
Why should I care about ground-level ozone?
First, let’s distinguish the difference in ozone and ground-level ozone.
- “Good” ozone forms naturally one to 30 miles above the Earth’s surface. This ozone layer protects life from the sun’s harmful rays.
- “Bad” ozone forms at ground-level. It is the main ingredient of smog and can cause a plethora of health problems.
Today, we are going to talk about how ground-level ozone forms, the health problems it causes, and what to do about it.
How it forms
Ground-level ozone is a gas created by a chemical reaction between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. Vehicle and industrial emissions, gasoline vapors, chemical solvents, and natural sources emit NOx and VOCs that help form ground-level ozone.
Obviously, urban areas will see higher amounts of ground-level ozone because they tend to have more air pollutants. But rural areas may not be spared from the health effects of it. Ground-level ozone takes time to form, and while it’s forming the wind can carry it far away. So, even if you live in the country, you can still be exposed to ground-level ozone.
What it can do to your health
Unhealthy amounts of ground-level ozone can affect everyone, but people with lung disease, children, older adults, and people who are physically active are especially sensitive. Ground-level ozone can:
- Irritate your throat.
- Cause coughing, wheezing, and painful breathing.
- Inflame and permanently damage lung tissue.
- Aggravate asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
- Increase the likelihood of pneumonia and bronchitis.
To protect your health, do less strenuous activities outdoors or stay inside until it cools down. If you experience serious symptoms, see your doctor.
How you can help reduce ground-level ozone
On hot days when ground-level ozone is expected to reach unhealthy levels, take these extra steps to help reduce air pollution:
- Drive less. Combine errands or use public transportation.
- Switch to a zero emissions vehicle, walk, or ride a bike.
- Postpone travel until the weather cools when possible.
- Don’t use lawnmowers or other small engines during heat spells.
- Follow burn bans.
- Don’t barbecue or use your fire pit while it’s hot out.
- Don’t let your engine idle.
- Refuel your vehicle in the early mornings.
- Don’t paint or use aerosol sprays until temperatures cool off.
When it gets hot outside, keep an eye on Ecology’s Facebook page or Twitter account for air quality advisories or check Washington’s Air Quality Monitoring Network.
To learn more about ground-level ozone and other air quality topics, visit Ecology’s website.
By Kim Vaughn / Air Quality
Our future and air pollution
Air quality has improved dramatically since the Clean Air Act was initiated in 1970 to respond to industrial pollution that at that time had no prevention controls in place.
Still today, hundreds of studies show that air pollution threatens the health of Washingtonians -- your health. The challenge for the future will be to continue to improve air quality in the face of population and industry growth. Together, we can make a difference.
For the month of May we’ve been celebrating Clean Air with tweets and this blog post. Look for other updates on May 22 and 25 at ECOconnect.
What is clean air?
Clean air naturally balances gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. Clean air does not contain pollutants and allergens, harm the environment, disrupt your view of scenic vistas, or cause health problems, as defined in statute to protect human health and the environment.
Air pollution is caused from a variety of sources that we all contribute to. Some of the sources are:
- Emissions from vehicles, ships, trains, and airplanes.
- Emissions from construction equipment.
- Campfires, forest fires, and agricultural burning.
- Cooking, BBQ, and wood-burning stoves.
- Solvent-based cleaning supplies.
- Blowing dust, soot, ash, etc.
- Commercial and industrial facilities like factories, restaurants, and dry cleaners.
By doing your part, you can help protect our clean air, environment, recreation activities, and health.
How we protect the air
The federal Clean Air Act requires states to develop plans to monitor and reduce air pollution to protect the environment and public health. The EPA sets national standards, or limits, for six criteria air pollutants called the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The six criteria air pollutants are:
- Nitrogen dioxide.
- Ozone.
- Particle pollution.
- Sulfur dioxide.
- Carbon monoxide.
- Lead.
It is each state’s responsibility to monitor the air and make sure they are meeting the national standards. If air pollution reaches levels that harm human health, the state must develop a plan to clean up the air. These plans are known as State Implementation Plans.
Ecology and seven local clean air agencies help keep the air clean by:
- Developing and enforcing rules about air quality.
- Regulating harmful emissions from vehicles, burning, and industrial activities, and reducing greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
- Issuing air quality permits. Inspecting – and fining, when necessary – businesses and industries that have those permits.
- Tracking air quality using about 70 air monitoring stations.
- Developing plans to maintain and improve air quality.
- Informing the public about air conditions by:
- Issuing daily decisions for agricultural burn permit holders.
- Calling burn bans.
- Educating the public about making healthy, clean air choices.
In our next blog, we’ll explore specific ways we all can protect clean air.
By Kim Vaughn | Air Quality
