If you live in one of the counties in the nonattainment or near nonattainment areas, it is very important that you take action to reduce your contribution to air pollution. High concentrations of ground-level ozone can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, headaches, nausea, and throat and lung irritation. People who suffer from lung diseases like bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, asthma, and colds have even more trouble breathing when the air is polluted. These effects can be worse for anyone who spends a lot of time exercising or working outdoors. When you exercise heavily, you may increase your intake of air by as much at 10 times your level at rest.
Children are also at increased risk of respiratory problems caused by ozone.
Their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more rapidly and inhale more air pollution per pound of body weight than adults. More about the hazards of ozone Help with PDF . Cars are a significant source of air pollution. Thinking about where, when, why, and how you are driving can help you change your driving habits. Driving actions Changing your driving habits is part, but not all of the solution.