This is primarily a summertime problem with the highest levels found in the east Valley. In the Valley, more than half of the pollution that forms ozone comes from vehicles and other gasoline-powered engines. Chemicals from industry, gasoline, paints, solvents and other consumer products also contribute to ozone. Ozone is to your lungs what the sun is to your skin. Repeated exposure to unhealthful levels of ground-level ozone will stiffen lung tissue much like repeated sunburn will lead to leathery, wrinkled skin.
Ozone is a severe irritant that can cause choking, coughing and stinging eyes.
It damages lung tissue, aggravates asthma and other respiratory disease and makes people more susceptible to respiratory infections. While anyone who is active or works outdoors can be affected by unhealthful ozone levels, children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to ozone's harmful effects, as are adults with asthma and other lung and heart ailments. Ozone also inhibits plant growth and can cause damage to crops and our forest and desert environments. Follow these simple tips all summer and help reduce the formation of ground-level ozone. Carpool, vanpool, bus, bike, walk or telecommute.