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Ozone
Related Air Products
The Issue
Ozone is a gas that occurs both in the Earth's upper atmosphere and at ground level where it is a key component of urban smog. Ground-level ozone triggers a variety of health problems even at very low levels, may cause permanent lung damage after long-term exposure, and damages plants and ecosystems.
Peak ozone levels typically occur during hot, dry, stagnant summertime conditions. Millions of Americans live in areas where ozone levels exceed EPA's health-based air quality standards, primarily in parts of the Northeast, the Lake Michigan area, parts of the Southeast, southeastern Texas, and parts of California. Peak ozone levels typically occur during hot, dry, stagnant summertime conditions.
EPA Action
EPA's ozone research efforts are focused on improving emissions estimates, determining health and ecological effects, and improving modeling capabilities. EPA's National Center for Environmental Assessment periodically evaluates the latest research concerning the public health and welfare effects of ozone and publishes the Air Quality Criteria Document for Ozone. This document provides the scientific basis for the establishment of national air quality standards.
The latest version of the Air Quality Criteria Document for Ozone was published in March 2006. Air quality criteria documents are vetted through a rigorous peer review process, including review by the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Council and public comment periods.
Related Links- Basic information about ozone
- Ozone research at EPA
- Ozone regulations
- National Ozone Air Quality Forecasts
- Clean Air Act
List additional resources associated with Ozone
