These pollutants are released from gasoline-powered vehicles and industries. Ozone exists both in the upper atmosphere and in the lower atmosphere. It has good and bad effects on us depending on where it is located. In the upper atmosphere, ozone shields us from the damaging rays of the sun. Ground-level ozone in the air we breathe can cause adverse health effects.
Air quality is a concern in Northeast Indiana.
The EPA recently lowered the acceptable level of ground-level ozone from 125 ppb to 85 ppb 85 ppb 85 ppb 85 ppb because the old standard did not adequately protect health. While Allen County met the old standard, our ozone levels periodically exceed the new standard. Although it cannot be seen or tasted, elevated levels of ozone can have a variety of effects on your respiratory system. Ozone can irritate your lungs and throat causing symptoms such as coughing and wheezing . Ozone can constrict your breathing passages making it harder to breathe .