EPA to Improve Ozone Standards

Unlike the ozone in the upper atmosphere which protects us and the environment from UV light, ground level ozone is linked with serious health problems. Ground level ozone, also known as smog, can cause illness in perfectly healthy individuals who work or play outside. Coughing, chest pain, wheezing and breathing difficulties are just a few of the health issues that can be caused by ground level ozone. For individuals with heart or lung disease, ozone pollution can cause premature death. Ground-level ozone can also have detrimental effects on plants and ecosystems. It can damage plants making them more susceptible to insect infestation, disease and the impacts of other pollutants. It can hinder forest growth and potentially reduce species diversity.

Ground level ozone is made when chemicals from cars, power plants, industrial facilities, etc. come in contact with sunlight. Thus, there is usually more smog in sunnier climates.

"EPA is stepping up to protect Americans from one of the most persistent and widespread pollutants we face. Smog in the air we breathe poses a very serious health threat, especially to children and individuals suffering from asthma and lung disease. It dirties our air, clouds our cities, and drives up our health care costs across the country," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. The EPA is proposing to tighten the limit of parts per million from the previous limit of 0.075, to between 0.060 and 0.070. The EPA is also proposing to set a secondary standard for the protection of the environment for plants and animals.

Although implementing these new limitations would cost billions of dollars, the benefit would be a vast reduction in health problems related to ozone pollution.

For further information, please go to http://www.epa.gov/groundlevelozone/.

Victoria Lindbak, Intern