Health Effects of Ozone and Particulate Matter

Health Effects of Ozone

Ozone is a gas composed of three atoms of oxygen. Ozone occurs both in the Earth's upper atmosphere and at ground level. Ozone in the air we breathe can harm our health, especially on hot sunny days when ozone can reach unhealthy levels. Ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant, because of its effects on people and the environment, and it is the main ingredient in "smog." Depending on the level of exposure, ground-level ozone can:

• Cause coughing and sore or scratchy throat.
• Make it more difficult to breathe deeply and vigorously and cause pain when taking a deep breath.
• Inflame and damage the airways.
• Make the lungs more susceptible to infection.
• Aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
• Increase the frequency of asthma attacks.

People most at risk from breathing air containing ozone include people with asthma, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers. Learn more about the health effects of ozone.

Health Effects of Particulate Matter

Particulate matter is a term used to describe a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Particle pollution includes particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less (PM10) and fine particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5). The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles (less than 10 microns in diameter) pose the greatest problems because they can get deep into your lungs, and some may even get into your bloodstream. 

Exposure to such particles can affect both your lungs and your heart. Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including:

• Premature death in people with heart or lung disease
• Nonfatal heart attacks
• Irregular heartbeat
• Aggravated asthma
• Decreased lung function
• Increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing.

People with heart or lung diseases, children, and older adults are the most likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure. Learn more about the health effects of particulate matter.