Ozone Action Day

An Ozone Action Day, which can be declared by a local municipality, country or state, is observed at certain times during the summer months, when weather conditions (such as heat, humidity, and air stagnation) run the risk of causing health problems.

Ozone Action Days, alternately called an "Ozone Alert" or a "Clean Air Alert", primarily center in the midwestern portion of the United States; particularly in well-urbanized areas such as Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, and Indianapolis.

Surface ozone vs. the ozone layer

Although the ozone found at the Earth's surface is the same chemical species as that found in the ozone layer, they have very different sources, atmospheric chemistry, and affect human health differently as well. The ozone layer protects people from the sun's most damaging ultraviolet rays. Because the ozone layer is located high in the atmosphere, people are not directly exposed to it.

Ground-level ozone, however, is a health hazard because people breathe it. It is formed through a complex set of chemical reactions involving hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and sunlight on calm summer days where the weather may also be warm and humid.[1] High levels of ground ozone affect the breathing process and aggravate asthma in chronic sufferers. The young, elderly, and those with lung diseases are especially susceptible.

Ozone is most likely to exceed safety limits from May through October when seasonal heat and sunlight are at their highest [2] However, similar conditions can occur at other times of the year in specific urbanized areas; namely the Los Angeles area, which is well known for smog formation.

Sources of ground ozone

A major cause of the conditions is due to pollutants in the air released by heavy industry (manufacturing plants, refineries, coal-fired power plants). Therefore, Ozone Action Days occur most frequently in the Midwestern United States. In recent years, many sites have taken steps to help reduce the amount of pollutants they discharge.

Secondary sources include automotive emissions (leaky auto exhaust systems, excessive engine idling) and liberal use of household chemicals or sprays.

Surface Ozone Limits

In 2008, the EPA created “non-attainment areas” for ozone in which ozone levels shall not exceed the federal standard of 75 parts per billion averaged over the course of three years. The EPA put the revised ozone standard into effect on October 1, 2015.[3] This means that high altitude cities will have a more difficult time meeting the new federal standards. This is due to higher ozone concentrations (Denver-metro area) moving to areas of lower ozone concentrations (rural, mountain areas).

For example, the high altitude state of Colorado is working on reducing the overall amount of ozone throughout the state. The Denver Metropolitan and North Front Range areas specifically have violated the national ozone standards in the last several years. All other counties in Colorado are in compliance with the 75 ppb standard set by the EPA in 2015. Denver is currently the 8th most polluted area due to ozone in the United States.[4] In 2015, Denver was ranked the 13th most-polluted city in the United States. Experts cite coal mining, population growth, and the oil and gas industries as potential reasons for the Denver metro area becoming more polluted.

Occupational Safety and Ozone

In order to ensure safe ozone levels in an occupational setting, federal regulations are in place in order to enforce workplace exposure limits for all working men and women. These measures are not implemented as a response to Ozone Action Days but rather they are in place in order to reduce the levels of ozone and contribute to the overall reduction of ground ozone in the environment.

OSHA

Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in response to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. To address the issue of ozone in the work environment, OSHA set a legal airborne permissible exposure limit of 0.1 parts per million (ppm) averaged over an 8-hour work shift.

NIOSH

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) also provides thorough information to ensure a safe working environment by conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related disease and injury.[5] They recommend an airborne exposure limit for ozone of 0.1ppm, which should not be exceeded at any time.

ACGIH

The American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) is a member-based organization of industrial hygienists and individuals in the occupational and environmental health and safety industry. They recommend an airborne exposure limit of 0.05ppm for heavy work, 0.08ppm for moderate work, and 0.1ppm for light work. If work is done for less than two hours the ACGIH recommends an exposure airborne limit of 0.20pmm averaged over an 8-hour work shift.

It is important to note that engineering controls are the most effective way of reducing airborne exposure of ozone (unless the exposure is the result of chemical use, in which exposure can possibly be reduced by substituting a less hazardous chemical). These controls include proper ventilation systems, proper respirators and protective clothing.

Public Health and Ground Ozone

Surface Ozone as Asthma Trigger

Millions suffer from asthma and it is one of the most common long term illnesses of children. It causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. If symptoms get worse, they may end up getting hospitalized. Asthma exacerbations can be triggered by many factors such as tobacco smoke, dust mites, air pollution, pets, and mold. Surface ozone is also one of them. Surface ozone is one of the most common air pollutants and causes airway irritation. It can also reduce lung function. Studies show that areas with higher ozone levels have higher doses of asthma medications and increased emergency room visits, [6]

Differences in Health Risk After Ozone Exposure

There are differences between groups in both the magnitude of exposure to ozone as well as the ultimate health effects from the exposure. A study of 98 communities found that community characteristics changed the health impacts of ozone exposure. A greater effect of ozone was associated with higher unemployment, increased African American populations, increased public transportation use and use of central air conditioning.[7] This could be due to increased exposure in these communities or other underlying health disparities that are exacerbated by the exposure to ozone.

This differential effect of ozone on health holds true for asthma and ozone exposure as well. In a longitudinal, prospective study, men who were exposed to a 27 parts per billion increase were found to have a 2-fold increase in asthma diagnosis. Although this trend was not found for women, the size of this ozone effect was not diminished when the researchers considered other air pollutants such as (PM10, SO4, NO2, and SO2).[8] Additionally, it was found that after ozone levels equaled or exceeded 0.11 ppm, there was a 37% increase in hospital visits for asthma for African American families in low income areas.[9] These gender, socioeconomic status and race differences need to be investigated further and solidify ozone exposure as a public health problem to be solved in the coming years.

Legalities of States Exceeding EPA Ozone Limits

Colorado is working on reducing the overall amount of ozone throughout the state. The Denver Metropolitan and North Front Range areas specifically have violated the national ozone standards in the last several years. All other counties in Colorado are in compliance with the 75 ppb standard set by the EPA in 2015. Denver is currently the 8th most polluted area due to ozone in the United States (Finley, 2016). In 2015, Denver was ranked the 13th most-polluted city in the United States. Experts cite coal mining, population growth, and the oil and gas industries as potential reasons for the Denver metro area becoming more polluted.

In 2008, the EPA created “nonattainment areas” for ozone in which ozone levels shall not exceed the federal standard of 75 parts per billion averaged over the course of three years.

The EPA put the revised ozone standard into effect on October 1, 2015 (Salley, 2015). This means that high altitude cities will have a more difficult time meeting the new federal standards. This is due to higher ozone concentrations (Denver-metro area) moving to areas of lower ozone concentrations (rural, mountain areas).

Notification

State, county, and even local governments can announce Ozone Action Days as much as a day in advance through the monitoring of approaching weather conditions and the air quality index (AQI). The AQI is divided into six levels: the higher the number (on a 0-300 scale), the more severe the ozone threat.

AQI of greater than 101 is considered dangerous for people with asthma, and asthma sufferers can take necessary precautions to avoid attacks. An AQI above 150 is considered unhealthy for all populations. They may check the AirNow EPA current air quality index for the most up to date information.

What can be done

Heavy industries make up a high percentage of pollutants causing ground ozone. Without drastically altering or eliminating industrial production in an area altogether, air quality improvements are very slight, though noticeable. Non-industrial pollutants, while not thought of to be a major pollutant group, can be more controlled with more positive change occurring.

Basic steps in limiting ground ozone during Ozone Action Days are:

At home reduction activities include:

  • Limit the use of lawn mowers and outdoor grills to after 6:00 pm, or even better, utilize push mowers, manual racks and brooms
  • Limit the use of aerosol cans around the home (for example, hair gel instead of hair spray)
    • Dispose of the aerosol can properly
  • Conserve energy
    • Turn home air conditioning thermostat up to at least 78 as the EPA recommends
    • Utilize fans, turn the thermostat up when not at home, close blinds to reduce sun penetration
    • Turn off or unplug electrical devices when not in use- computers especially can heat up rooms
    • Install LED lights that utilize less energy. The prices of the lights are now affordable and many electric companies offer subsidized pricing at local stores such as Home Depot, Lowes and Ace Hardware

Some cities, such as Phoenix, Evansville, Dallas, and most cities in Alaska prohibit outdoor burning during Ozone Action Days. Even if not prohibited, not doing any burning would be heavily advised.

How to protect yourself on High Ground Level Ozone Days

On days with an AQI greater than 100, you can take several steps to reduce your exposure to ground level ozone.

Avoid prolonged exertion outdoors- any activity that will cause you to be outdoors for several hours where you are breathing harder than normal

Avoid heavy exertion outdoors- any activity that causes you to breathe heavily. For example- go on a walk instead of a run.[10]

Long term ozone action plan

Although the immediate concern is today’s Ozone Action Day, here are some longer term solutions

Use alternative-fuel vehicles, such as natural gas and hybrid electric

Some communities even expanded its line of buses, garbage trucks and even company vehicles, such as UPS trucks, to use alternative fuels

Choose environmentally friendly products

Such as reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for paint [11]

Store and dispose of chemicals correctly

Local groups have chemical round ups. For example, Colorado chemical information is at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/household-hazardous-waste-collection-programs

Some waste companies also have disposal options, such as Waste Management http://www.wm.com/enterprise/municipalities/residential-solutions/household-hazardous-waste.jsp

Proper disposal of fridge and air conditioners that contain chemicals. Some energy companies will even pay you to take it! For example, Xcel Energy has $50 rebates https://www.xcelenergy.com/Programs_and_Rebates/Residential_Programs_and_Rebates/Equipment_and_Appliances/

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gollark: I suppose so.
gollark: Now, I only have two hours at most actually awake before the deadline, but I can totally come up with *something* in that time.
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References
  1. Archived September 29, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  2. "SETRPC". SETRPC. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
  3. Salley, Mark. "EPA Lowers Federal Ozone Standard; Colorado, Other States Face More Difficult Compliance." Home. Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, 2016. Web. 15 Oct. 2016.
  4. Finley, Bruce. "Denver Ranks 8th Most-polluted Due to Ozone Contamination of Air." The Denver Post. The Denver Post, 22 Apr. 2016. Web. 25 Oct. 2016.
  5. (www.cdc.gov/niosh)
  6. Lin, Shao, et al. "Chronic exposure to ambient ozone and asthma hospital admissions among children." Environmental Health Perspectives116.12 (2008): 1725.(Shao et al., 2008)
  7. Bell, Michelle L., and Francesca Dominici. "Effect modification by community characteristics on the short-term effects of ozone exposure and mortality in 98 US communities." American journal of epidemiology 167.8 (2008): 986-997.
  8. McDonnell, William F., et al. "Long-term ambient ozone concentration and the incidence of asthma in nonsmoking adults: the AHSMOG Study."Environmental Research 80.2 (1999): 110-121.
  9. White, Mary C., et al. "Exacerbations of childhood asthma and ozone pollution in Atlanta."Environmental Research 65.1 (1994): 56-68.
  10. https://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqi_brochure.index
  11. Randall, Paul M. "Pollution prevention methods in the surface coating industry." Journal of Hazardous Materials 29.2 (1992): 275-295.

See also
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