The report focuses solely on ozone pollution, for which the best historical data is available, the Lung Association reports. A lung irritant, ozone can cause shortness of breath, headaches, wheezing, and chest pain. Long-term exposure can change the structure of the lung. Ozone is particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and anyone with chronic lung problems, such as asthma and emphysema. A lot of people wonder if this isn't part of it.
People can help reduce ozone by driving less, car pooling, and filling their gas tanks after dusk.
However, any significant cuts in ozone will have to come when power plants are cleaned up and cars and trucks are made more efficient and cleaner, Frazier says. One thing that people can do is sign up for Green Power. The money goes to support wind, solar and methane gas from landfill energies. The program has been much more successful than expected. The utility expected to sell 9,000 blocks a month in the that time.