Although we have some control over sources of some of the ozone producing air pollutants, we have no control over the heat and sunlight that turn those pollutants into ozone. Near the ground, ozone is formed in a three-step process. Gasoline, paints and solvents evaporate, releasing reactive organic compounds. Cars and factories burn fossil fuels, releasing nitrogen oxide gases and reactive organic compounds. Heat and sunlight trigger a chemical reaction between these emissions, transforming them into ozone.
Many people think that industry alone is responsible for ozone air pollution.
In fact, citizens are responsible for a significant percentage of the air pollutants that lead to ozone smog. These pollutants come from our cars, lawn mowers, boats and the oil-based paints and cleaning products we use at home. Motor vehicle emissions are the single greatest contributor to ground-level ozone pollution. Determining the levels of ground-level ozone in your area will lead you to ask research questions that allow you to do your own research project on ozone. Let's begin by asking some questions that will focus our work .