Ozone

Ground-level ozone is a major summertime air pollutant in North Carolina. Ozone can aggravate asthma, reduce lung function, and lower resistance to allergens, infections, and respiratory diseases suchas pneumonia. Children and those with pre-existing lung problems (such as asthma) are sensitive to the health effects of ozone. Even healthy adults who perform physical exercise or manual labor outdoors can experience the unhealthy effects of ozone.

Ozone is a colorless gas that can be found in the air we breathe. Itis formed by a chemical reaction between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in the presence of sunlight. Sources of VOCs and NOx include:

1. automobiles, trucks, and buses
2. large industry and fuel-burning sources such as utilities
3. small industry such as gas stations and print shops
4. consumer products such as paints and cleaners
5. off-road engines such as aircraft, locomotives, construction equipment and lawn equipment

Ozone concentrations can reach unhealthy levels when the weather is hot and sunny with relatively light winds.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets national air pollution standards to protect public health. The air quality level is given a color to go along with the standard. Orange, red, and purple levels are above the standard (worse air quality); yellow and green levels are below the standard (better air quality). Look for the ozone forecast from May through September on TV during the weather report or daily in the newspaper.

For a daily forecast of Buncombe County ozone levels, please the NCDENR's Ozone Forecast Section.