We all know ozone in the ozone layer protects us. But when ozone forms at ground level, where we can breathe it, it's not so good for us. Ground-level ozone is invisible and odorless, but it's not harmless. How Ozone Affects Your Health Ground-level ozone affects everyone, but over half of the population is particularly sensitive to air pollution and may have more trouble breathing on smoggy days. Ozone irritates the mucous membranes of the respiratory system and can cause coughing, wheezing, chest pain and headaches.
Ozone especially aggrevates chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.
Exposure to ozone can lead to increased emergency room visits and hospital admissions, and can inhibit the body's immune system. Reducing ozone pollution helps reduce these health effects. During this period, we often experience days with high levels of ground-level ozone, which can be unhealthy for children, people with existing respiratory conditions, and even those who participate in strenuous outdoor activities. The good news is that ozone pollution is preventable. On predicted high ozone days, the Ozone Action Partnership declares Ozone Action or Ozone Health Watch days, asking everyone to voluntarily refrain from polluting activities.