04 Aug EcoTip #14 Danger: Sunny Days + Traffic = Ozone – a Health Hazard
EcoTip #14 – Danger: Sunny Days + Traffic = Ozone a Health Hazard
This summer, in addition to the dangers associated with extreme heat, the combination of sunny skies, high temperatures and pollution from gasoline-powered cars, boats, motor cycle and lawn equipment adds up to higher levels of ground level ozone, also known as smog. Emissions from coal-fired power plants and petrochemical plant refineries add to the dangerous mix.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are the products of combustion from motor vehicles and equipment, power plants and other sources of fossil fuel combustion. VOCs and NOx combine in warm sunlight to create ozone.
Children playing outdoors, runners and people working outdoors are at risk of serious health problems in areas with high ozone.
Ozone attacks and destroys cells and tissue in the lungs. The result is inflammation and difficulty breathing. Ozone aggravates bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Studies show that there are more heart attacks and premature deaths on high ozone days.
To help lower ozone levels: limit driving: walk, bicycle or take public transportation. Avoid excessive idling of your automobile and keep you car well-tuned. Refuel your car carefully and in the evening when it is cooler. On high ozone days, avoid using gasoline-powered equipment such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers.
Contact your local, state and national elected officials and let them know you want a responsible energy policy and proper monitoring and control of emissions from petrochemical refineries and coal-fired power plants.
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