Ozone & Your Health
This information has been reviewed and approved by Anthony Gerber, MD (May 2024).
Ozone & Your Health
| Good Ozone: | Bad or Ground-Level Ozone: |
| Naturally occurs in the upper atmosphere and protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. | Created when vehicle and other emissions mix with pollutants and are heated by the sun. |
10 Harmful Effects of Bad Ozone
- Lung function
- Asthma attacks
- Asthma & COPD worsen
- Throat irritation
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Lung tissue inflammation
- Lung infections
- Eye irritation
Watch
- Difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Chest discomfort/tightness/pain
- Throat irritation
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual fatigue
Protect
- Take medications as prescribed.
- Stay indoors and close windows.
- Limit or eliminate outdoor exercise in high ozone.
- Call your doctor if symptoms increase or medications aren’t helping.
Reduce
- Maintain your vehicle.
- Refuel in the evening.
- Use your vehicle less.
- Bike, walk, car pool or use public transportation.
- Consolidate car trips to once a day.
- Drive an electric, hybrid or fuel-efficient vehicle.
- Use low VOC* (volatile organic compound) products.
- Mow your lawn in the evening.
- Use electric lawn and garden tools.
Ozone is a gas. When you breathe it in, ozone reacts with body tissues and damages them.
*VOC or volatile organic compound products are solvents that get released into the air as paint dries or from adhesives, cleaning supplies and other items.
More Information on Ozone
- Summer Ozone Dangers
- Best and Worst Cities for Ozone Pollution
- Outdoor Air Pollution
- Air Pollution and Healthy Homes
- Adult Asthma Treatment Programs
- Pediatric Asthma Treatment Programs
- COPD Program
- Make an Appointment
- Find a Doctor
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