The gasoline vapors from refueling are one of the largest sources of air pollution left to be controlled. Every time we fill up our gas tanks, the process of refueling allows hydrocarbons to escape into the air. Hydrocarbons are a major cause of ground-level ozone pollution, or smog. Neither the Baltimore nor the Washington metropolitan area meets the federal health standards for ozone air pollution. In addition, gasoline vapors contain toxic pollutants such as benzene, a known carcinogen.
Ozone is a highly reactive chemical which irritates the respiratory system.
The elderly, very young, and those with asthma or other respiratory problems are most at risk. On hot, sunny, high-ozone days, even healthy people will find it harder to breathe when they exercise outdoors. Yes, ozone can damage crops, plants and other living things. Important crops such as soybeans and tobacco, as well as forests and garden plants, can be damaged by ozone. Ozone also degrades rubber and plastic products.