Dr. Hanania is conducting a study exploring the correlation between pollutants and emergency room visits to Ben Taub General Hospital by adult asthmatics. A reduction in lung function. Ozone can make it more difficult to breathe deeply and vigorously. If exercising or working outside, people may notice they are taking more rapid and shallow breaths than normal, a problem for outdoor workers. Exacerbation of asthma.
Ozone makes people more sensitive to allergens.
When the pollutant reaches high levels, more asthmatics have attacks, requiring a doctor's attention, or use of additional medication. Asthmatics are also severely affected by the reduced lung function and irritation that ozone causes in the respiratory system. Inflammation and damage of lung tissue. Ozone damages the cells that line the air spaces in the lung. Affected cells are replaced after a few days, but if damage occurs repeatedly, the lung may change permanently and possibly cause long-term health effects and lower quality of life.