Ozone is the most wide-spread air pollutant in our country and is the main ingredient in smog. Ozone damages plants by interfering with photosynthesis, the process plants use to make food. Kings Canyon National Parks show some visible ozone injury. Ozone injures the lungs of humans and other animals, decreasing their ability to fight infection and remove inhaled particles. Ozone can cause permanent lung damage, coughing, sinus inflammation, chest pains, scratchy throat, stinging eyes and general malaise.
High concentrations are hazardous for people with heart and respiratory ailments.
Most vulnerable are children, the elderly, and those with existing health problems. The National Park Service keeps track of ozone levels at four places in these parks. Ozone levels at these park sites are often higher than in cities like Los Angeles. Continued research and monitoring will help to evaluate the extent of the problem. With this information, we can take appropriate actions to protect park ecosystems, and ourselves, from this invisible poison.