Within a few days, the damaged cells are replaced and the old cells are shed much in the way your skin peels after a sunburn. Ozone may aggravate chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis and reduce the immune system s ability to fight off bacterial infections in the respiratory system. Ozone may cause permanent lung damage. 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.