One of scientists main concerns is the well being of our Ozone layer . Ozone at the ground level, which we breathe, becomes a very dangerous pollutant. Ozone is an odorless colorless gas that reacts rapidly and strongly with living cells along with fabrics, dyes, and rubbers. Ground level ozone forms when pollutants called volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides react on hot, humid, sunny days. Cars, factories, boats, lawnmowers and other gas powered equipment release the pollutants , as do lighter fluid, oil-based paints and other household products.
Ozone is very hazardous to our health.
Because ground level ozone reacts strongly with living tissues, like our lungs, high concentrations can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and pain with deep breaths in people who are sensitive to ozone. People who suffer from lung diseases such as emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and colds can have even more difficulty breathing when ozone concentrations are high. Children also are at increased risk for respiratory problems from ozone because they typically play outside for long periods of time during the summer and are exposed to high concentrations of ozone. Also, children breathe more rapidly than do adults, so they inhale more air pollution per pound of body weight than adults. Adults that exercise outdoors on days when ground level ozone concentrations reach unhealthy levels also are at increased risk for respiratory problems.