What
is ozone?
Ozone
(the molecular formula is O3) is a gas that occurs naturally
both in the earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level. Ozone can
be good or bad, depending on where it is found.
Good
ozone
Ozone occurs naturally
in the earth’s upper atmosphere – 10 to 30 miles above the earth’s
surface – where it shields us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
Bad
ozone
Higher levels of ozone
are created by the combination of pollutants from many sources. Utility
companies, industry, cars, gasoline-powered lawn equipment, paints,
solvents, and even plants and trees all contribute to the formation
of ozone. In the summer, higher levels of ozone form in the presence
of heat and sunlight. Weather is a key factor in the formation of
ozone.
When
is ozone season?
Typically
ozone forms on a cloudless day when temperatures are high and winds
are stagnant. In our region, high ozone levels can be expected between
the months of May and September.
What
is our region’s history?
For
many years the ozone levels in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia
have caused no concern. Last year, however, on two consecutive days
in June one of the State’s air monitors in this area showed that we
exceeded the national standard by a small degree.
Also, EPA has set a new 8-hour ozone standard that is currently
under review by the courts.
The 8-hour standard is more stringent, and the state recorded
9 days in 2000 where this standard was exceeded in our area.
How
does ground level ozone affect us?
Even
at low levels ozone can cause a number of respiratory effects. Active
children are at highest risk because they spend a lot of time outdoors
in the summer. They breathe
faster and have less body mass. Active adults who play hard and work
hard outside are also at risk, as well as the elderly and those people
with asthma or other respiratory diseases.
Ozone
exceedances can also impact the economic health of our region. Should
we have another day where ozone levels are high, our region could
be designated as non-attainment. This could jeopardize our ability
to attract new business or grow the ones we have, we could lose federal
highway dollars, and the State could impose certain actions such as
a car inspection program. Although many metropolitan areas in the
U.S. will be designated as non-attainment, this is not a label we
want on our region.
What
can we do?
Our region has formed an
Ozone Action Partnership. Government, industry, academia, and the
medical community have organized this volunteer effort in order to
prevent high-ozone days. Working together and by voluntarily doing
certain things, we can make a difference in our air quality. The Ozone
Action Partnership has arranged for meteorologists from TVA to forecast
ozone action days during the 2001 season. When the weather conditions
are right, local media will call for an Ozone Action Day and ask people
to:
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Delay
mowing your yard or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until
after 6 p.m.
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Avoid
grilling out or burning yard clippings or leaves.
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Drive
your newest and most fuel-efficient car.
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Carpool
to work, school, or lunch.
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Telecommute.
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Avoid
areas where your vehicle will idle a long time – like drive-thru’s
or congested intersections.
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Conserve
energy.
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Put
industry action plans into place to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
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Why
should we implement an ozone action program?
We
can’t control the weather, but by working together voluntarily, we
can keep our air clean and have a prosperous economy.
