In response, Balmes conducted a survey of Berkeley freshman who had grown up in high ozone and low ozone areas. Even more startling is the effect of ozone exposure on susceptible children. One study has shown that asthmatic kids have significantly more problems in high ozone areas. A recent study by the American Lung Association shows that as many as 27.1 million children under the age of 13 are exposed to unhealthy levels of ozone, with minority children disproportionately affected. Formed when fuel is burned at high temperatures, it can irritate the lungs and lower resistance to respiratory infections such as influenza.
Balmes notes that oxides of nitrogen become ozone when exposed to sunlight.
In its initial form, nitrogen oxide can enhance allergic responses and cause asthmatic symptoms, and also is associated with slower growth among children. But the human toll is also significant. Major health effects include respiratory illness, alterations in pulmonary defenses, and aggravation of cardiovascular disease. A combination of carbon, dust, and acid aerosols, particulate matter is an insidious and quiet killer of 50-100,000 American annually. We aggressively promote influenza vaccines.