What is ozone?
Ozone is made up of three oxygen atoms and occurs in Earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level. Depending on its location, it can be good or bad for the environment.
Isn't ozone beneficial?
The ozone in the upper atmosphere is produced naturally and protects the Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Ground-level ozone is an air pollutant and is a component of smog.
Where does ozone come from?
Ground level ozone is the result of chemical interactions between several air pollutants, nitrous oxide (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), in the presence of sunlight. In Pima County, the major sources of these pollutants are vehicles and industrial and commercial emissions.
When do high levels of ozone occur?
Ozone levels are generally highest in the afternoon during the warmer months (April through September), when temperatures are high and there is plenty of sunlight.
Is ozone harmful to my health?
Yes. Although invisible, ozone can cause eye, nose, throat and lung irritation along with permanent lung damage.
Are children more susceptible to ozone's effects than adults?
Yes, for several reasons. Children inhale more air per unit of body weight than adults. Also, children spend more time outside than adults. And perhaps the most important difference is that children’s lungs are still growing and developing.
How are harmful levels of ozone determined?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets air quality standards primarily to protect human health. The EPA also developed the Air Quality Index, a color-coded system that relates current air quality to human health effects.A high AQI value indicates an elevated air pollution level and more severe health effects. The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality conducts local air monitoring for ozone, particulate matter, sulfer dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide. Click here to learn more about Pima County’s daily AQI.
How high are ozone levels in Pima County?
Many local summer days have ozone levels in the healthy range (green) (See AQI). However, there are times when ozone levels reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups (yellow, orange). These higher ozone levels in Pima County place the region very close to reaching the federal health limit. With small efforts from everyone in the community, ozone levels can continue to remain at healthy levels.
What happens if Pima County's ozone level exceeds the federal health limit?
Stricter regulations directed at reducing emissions from vehicles and industry could be enacted. This translates to increased costs to the public and local businesses and industries.
How can I find out more information about ozone?
Pima Association of Governments’ (PAG) and Pima County Department of Environmental Quality Web sites contain information and publications on ozone and other air pollutants of local concern. Additionally, the EPA provides detailed information on all air pollutants and national trends and regulations.
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