Repeated short-term ozone damage to children s developing lungs may lead to reduced lung function in adulthood. In adults, ozone exposure may accelerate the natural decline in lung function that occurs as part of the normal aging process. Ozone can inflame the lung s lining. Ozone damage also can occur without any noticeable signs. People who live in areas where ozone levels are frequently high may find that their initial symptoms go away over time particularly when exposure to high ozone levels continues for several days.
Ozone continues to cause lung damage even when the symptoms have disappeared.
Your chances of being affected by ozone increase the longer you are active outdoors and the more strenuous the activity you engage in. In addition, you can plan outdoor activities when ozone levels are lower, usually in the morning or evening. Examples of activities that involve moderate exertion include climbing stairs, playing tennis or baseball, simple garden or construction work, and light jogging, cycling, or hiking. Activities that involve heavy exertion include playing basketball or soccer, chopping wood, heavy manual labor, and vigorous running, cycling, or hiking. Because fitness levels vary widely among individuals, what is moderate exertion for one person may be heavy exertion for another.