When temperatures are high, sunshine is strong, and winds are weak, ozone can accumulate to unhealthful levels. The biggest concern with high ozone concentration is the damage it causes to human health, vegetation and to many common materials we use. High concentrations of ozone can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, headaches, nausea, eye and throat irritation, and lung damage. 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 in anyone who spends significant periods of time exercising or working outdoors.
Children often play outside for long periods during the summer.
On days when ozone levels are high, children are at increased risk for respiratory problems. While there are many ongoing efforts on the local, state and federal level to reduce ozone-forming pollutants, the county notification system was put in place to provide better information to the school districts. Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. All rights reserved.