Trimming Back Summer Ozone Production
July 2010
With summer comes fun in the sun, but if you live in a metropolitan area, it also comes with potential air quality problems from ground-level ozone.
Ground-level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of nitrogen in the presence of sunlight. Sources of VOCs and oxides of nitrogen include:
- automobiles, trucks, and buses;
- large industry and combustion sources such as utilities;
- small industry such as gas stations and print shops;
- consumer products such as paints and cleaners; and
- off-road engines such as aircraft, locomotives, construction equipment, and lawn and garden equipment.
Ozone is like a sunburn on your lungs. Even at relatively low levels, ground-level ozone can limit the ability to take a deep breath, and it can cause coughing, throat irritation and breathing discomfort. Like a sunburn, people often don’t feel the effects of ozone until later in the day or the day after being exposed to it. Groups that are especially sensitive to ozone include children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma. Even healthy adults involved in moderate or strenuous outdoor activities can experience the unhealthy effects of ozone.
What is an Ozone Action Day?
State or local air quality agencies are responsible for designating Ozone Action Days when ozone levels are forecast to reach unhealthy levels. Ozone Action Days are announced during weather forecasts on radio and television. Newspapers also may have announcements in their weather sections.
Ozone and other air pollutant levels are reported in terms of the Air Quality Index (AQI). U.S. EPA developed the AQI to provide uniform and easily understandable information about the daily levels of air pollution. The ozone AQI chart contains cautionary language to help you protect yourself when air quality levels are unhealthy.
For More Information
One of Ohio EPA’s partners in protecting Ohio’s environment is the local air pollution control agency. These agencies, often part of local health departments or governments, have been delegated certain air pollution control responsibilities from Ohio EPA. These agencies work under a contract with Ohio EPA to perform the same activities as Ohio EPA's district offices. There are nine local air pollution control agencies throughout Ohio. To report air pollution violations or obtain information about facilities in your county, contact the appropriate air agency or district office.
Check here for air quality information in Akron; Cincinnati; Cleveland/Lorain/Elyria; Columbus; Dayton; and Youngstown.
Enviroflash allows you to sign up for daily e-mail alerts regarding air quality forecasts and air quality action days in Cincinnati; Cleveland/Akron/Lorain; Columbus; Dayton/Springfield; and Youngstown.
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency’s Fine Particle Pollution Program (FP3) advises Northeast Ohio residents when fine particle pollution could reach unhealthy levels. The program is operated in partnership with Ohio EPA, the City of Cleveland Division of Air Quality, the Akron Regional Air Quality Management District, the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study and the Lake County General Health District.
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission in Central Ohio also issues advisories for fine particle pollution.
Helpful Publications and Web Sites