The Air Quality Index provides the current index, the elevated pollutant, the current category, and a short term forecast. We often hear a lot about the depletion of the ozone layer in the atmosphere. This kind of ozone protects us from harmful radiation.
Stratospheric ozone is good, but ground-level ozone is harmful.
When people think of ground-level ozone, they usually picture a thick layer of smog over Los Angeles. They don't usually think of a Midwest summer day, typically hazy, sunny and hot. The primary source of these are automobiles and industrial emissions. High ozone levels pose significant health risks to the elderly and young children, but even healthy adults may be affected. Here in Kentuckiana, ground-level ozone is a particular problem during the afternoons and early evenings between June and September.