How does ozone affect my health and the health of my family?
At ground level, ozone pollution is harmful to all of us, especially the young and elderly. Ozone can also trigger attacks and symptoms in individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as bronchitis, emphysema, asthma or other respiratory infections. Even for those individuals considered healthy, breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. Ground-level ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.

High levels of ozone pollution often affect healthy people who work or exercise outdoors and can cause breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and reduced resistance to lung infections and colds with exposure for prolonged periods. It can worsen pre-existing health conditions for many individuals with various respiratory illnesses.

Show All Answers

1. What is ozone?
2. Why is ozone a summer air challenge?
3. How does ozone affect my health and the health of my family?
4. What are possible health effects due to high ozone levels?
5. Does ozone threaten Shelby County's air status?
6. What can I do to prevent ozone pollution?