If the area averages no more than 1 expected exceedance per year for each monitoring site, during the three year period of 1996-1998, then it will be attaining the 1 hour 0.12 ppm public health standard for ozone. This would mean that new industries would need to get more emission reductions, enhanced inspection and maintenance of automobiles would be mandatory, additional air monitoring would be required, the State would need a plan for another 9 percent reduction in ozone forming pollution and there would be requirements for clean fueled vehicles. Ozone is a gas and the main component of smog. Ozone can irritate mucous membranes and cause coughing, choking and impaired lung functions with prolonged exposure. Children, the elderly and people with bronchial conditions are apparently at risk.
Ozone is formed when pollution from cars, trucks, industry and other sources combines in sunlight.
In the Cincinnati area, ozone monitoring occurs April through October. However, high levels of ozone generally develop June through August. There are 10 monitoring stations run by the local agencies in our metropolitan area, located in downtown Cincinnati, Colerain Township, Sycamore Township, Batavia, Lebanon, Middletown and Hamilton in Ohio and in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties in Kentucky. In Ohio, monitoring is done by Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services. In Kentucky, it is done by the Kentucky Environmental Protection Division of Air Quality.