It occurs naturally in the Earth's atmosphere and creates a shield against the sun's ultraviolet rays. It also forms at ground level when emissions by cars, power plants, refineries, chemical plants and other sources react chemically with sunlight. Unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone typically form in the afternoon during the hot summer months, when sunny days with high temperatures and low wind speeds are more common, says McMullen. 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.