Ozone & Your Health Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions This information has been reviewed and approved by Anthony Gerber, MD (July 2018). Ozone & Your Health Good Ozone: Bad or Ground-Level Ozone: Naturally occurs in the upper atmosphere and protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Created when vehicle and other emissions mix with pollutants and are heated by the sun. 10 Harmful Effects of Bad Ozone Lung function Asthma attacks Asthma & COPD worsen Throat irritation Cough Chest pain Shortness of breath Lung tissue inflammation Lung infections Eye irritation Watch Difficulty breathing Cough Chest discomfort/tightness/pain Throat irritation Wheezing Shortness of breath Unusual fatigue Protect Take medications as prescribed. Stay indoors and close windows. Limit or eliminate outdoor exercise in high ozone. Call your doctor if symptoms increase or medications aren’t helping. Reduce Maintain your vehicle. Refuel in the evening. Use your vehicle less. Bike, walk, car pool or use public transportation. Consolidate car trips to once a day. Drive an electric, hybrid or fuel-efficient vehicle. Use low VOC* (volatile organic compound) products. Mow your lawn in the evening. Use electric lawn and garden tools. Ozone is a gas. When you breathe it in, ozone reacts with body tissues and damages them. *VOC or volatile organic compound products are solvents that get released into the air as paint dries or from adhesives, cleaning supplies and other items. More Information on Ozone Summer Ozone Dangers Best and Worst Cities for Ozone Pollution Outdoor Air Pollution Air Pollution and Healthy Homes Adult Asthma Treatment Programs Pediatric Asthma Treatment Programs COPD Program Make an Appointment Find a Doctor Want to use this on your website? Fill out the content usage request form and then copy this code: