OZONE FACTS AT A GLANCE

OZONE FACTS AT A GLANCE

Here are some of the things ground-level ozone can do to people:

Make it more difficult to breathe deeply and vigorously.

Cause shortness of breath and pain when taking a deep breath.

Cause coughing and sore or scratchy throat.

Inflame and damage the airways.

Aggravate lung diseases, such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Increase the frequency of asthma attacks.

Make the lungs more susceptible to infection.

Continue to damage the lungs, even when the symptoms have disappeared.

Here are some environmental responsibility tips for hot and sunny ozone action days:

Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.

Choose an environmentally cleaner method of commuting to work, such as carpooling or using public transportation, and bicycle or walk while running errands, if possible.

Refuel vehicles after dusk.

Combine errands and reduce trips.

Limit engine idling.

Use household, workshop and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Air Now