High ozone days can be predicted, because the weather influences the formation of ground-level ozone. Meteorologists will forecast ozone levels in NC this summer for Charlotte, Triad and Triangle metropolitan areas. When doing yard work, try to use lawn rakes, non-motorized push mowers, and hand edgers. The Symptoms Exposure to high ozone levels can cause shortness of breath, pain with deep inhalation, coughing and wheezing, headaches, nausea, and eye and throat irritation. Medical studies have shown that ozone causes inflammation, and may damages lung tissue, with unhealthful effects continuing for days after exposure.
Children often play outside on hot, muggy summer afternoons.
Their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more rapidly and inhale more air pollution per pound of body weight than adults. On days when smog levels are high, these factors put children at increased risk for respiratory problems. During the summer months, the Division of Air Quality in the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources issues health alerts on days when high ozone levels are most likely to occur. Be aware of the ozone forecast and alert those most susceptible to high ozone levels, including children, the elderly and those with heart or respiratory diseases such emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchitis. Those individuals should limit outdoor activities and stay indoors.