Ground-level Ozone What Is It? Ground-level ozone is chemically the same as the other ozone layers in the autmosphere, except it's closer to the Earth. So, the gases get into the lungs. When the Ozone is up high in the autmosphere, it is protective because it keeps the Sun from cooking the Earth and that can give people skin canser. However, when the ozone is at ground level it's verry unhealthy for the lungs. Recent studies say, 7.7 million people die from respiratory causes every year. How Does It Form? Ground-level ozone forms when NOX (Nitrogen Oxides) and VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) cook in the sun. NOX and VOC come from cars, trucks, power plants, industries and some consumer products. Ozone is made up from O3 (Oxygen). That oxygen wants to become O2 and when it does the extra oxygen becomes unhealthy. So, believe it or not oxygen is what damages the lungs. Effects In Us And The Environment. The gases cause impaired lung functions and respiratory infections in young children. Ozone stops the heat rays from the Sun from bouncing off the Earth which is a cause of global warming. When the Sun's rays go towards the Earth, they are suppose to bounce back into space but, because of the ground-level ozone the rays bounce back towards the Earth causing it to be hotter. What We Can Do To Prevent or Reduce Ground-Level Ozone. People can start using bikes, walking, using public transits or forming a car pool for getting to work. Even perfectly maintained vehicles can pollute more if it is not driven carefully. For example, when you stop at a red light, you should slow down at a good distance. The reason for this is if you stop as soon as you get to the light more gases are released into the air and you use up gasoline. You can reduce pollution by substituting water-based plants and solvents or trying to find products with labels that say low in volatile organic compounds. Using gas powered equipment carefully will also reduce the amount of ozone. Return to the top of the page