The slogan will be used in a new advertising and educational campaign that focuses on how individuals and businesses can cut down on air-fouling emissions. We can t rely on regulation of industry alone. Everyone needs to do their part. Ozone pollution is mainly a daytime problem during summer months because sunlight plays a primary role in its formation High concentrations of ozone near ground level can be harmful to people, animals, crops, and other materials. Ozone can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, and irritation in the throat and chest.
Ozone can aggravate asthma and inflame and damage cells that line the lungs.
It can also aggravate chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis and reduce the immune system s ability to fight off bacterial infections in the respiratory system, according to EPA research. Ozone s effects can be worse in children and elderly adults. The Ozone Action Days program kicks off Monday and runs through October. The campaign, now in its sixth year, was designed by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and has been implemented in medium-size and large cities statewide. All rights reserved.