Hydrocarbons are emitted by motor vehicles, oil and chemical storage and handling facilities, and a variety of commercial and industrial sources such as gas stations, dry cleaners and degreasing operations. Oxides of nitrogen are a by-produce of burning fuel in sources such as power plants, steel mills and other heavy industry and in motor vehicles. Ozone acts as a powerful respiratory irritant at the levels frequently found in most of the nation's urban areas during summer months. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain when inhaling deeply, wheezing and coughing. Tests carried out on healthy adults and children undergoing heavy exercise have found that exposure to ozone at a level equal to the current federal health-based air quality standard of 0.12 parts per million results in a decrease in the normal function of the lungs.
Ozone reacts with vegetation.
Ozone may be seen as a haze, which limits visibility. The greatest source of hydrocarbons, one of the precursors to ozone pollution, is the automobile. We can limit these emissions by cutting down on individual driving. We can carpool, vanpool, bike, walk or take public transportation. Waiting until after 7 p.m. to fill gasoline tanks.