If the ozone present in the air were produced only from naturally-produced substances, it would not be of concern. Both animal and plant life tolerate natural concentrations of ozone very well. NOAA's Health of the Atmosphere program is focused on determining the causes for the accumulation of surface-level ozone, particularly in rural areas. The concentration of ozone in air is determined not only by the amounts of ozone precursor chemicals, but also by weather and climatic factors. Warm temperatures and stagnant high-pressure weather systems with low wind speeds contribute to harmful ozone accumulation.
Ozone is a very reactive gas.
For this reason, high concentrations of ozone cause respiratory distress and disease in humans, decrease yields of agricultural crops and forests, and cause damage to some rubber products, plastics, and paints used outdoors. Ozone pollution near the ground is the most widespread air-quality problem in the United States today. In areas that exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Ozone, federal and state governments must restrict industrial growth and expansion in order to protect the environment. But these restrictions also decrease economic opportunities for citizens who live in ozone non-attainment areas. The economic impacts associated with damage to agricultural crops, harvestable forests, and wilderness areas are substantial.