Kiera Jefferson
Ozone pollution is a serious issue that affects people worldwide. Ozone is a harmful air pollutant that is formed by the interaction of sunlight with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted largely by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and industrial processes. It is a major component of smog and has detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. Ozone pollution is on the rise globally, with exposures increasing slowly but steadily over the past decade. This trend is particularly prominent in 12 of the world's 20 most populous countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. In the United States, nearly half of the population lives in areas with poor air quality due to ozone pollution, and it is estimated that over 125 million people are exposed to unhealthy levels of ozone, causing breathing difficulties and putting their health at risk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people living in counties with F grades for ozone smog | 125 million |
| Number of people living in counties that received an F for either ozone or particle pollution | 156 million |
| Number of people living in counties that got an F for all three air pollution measures | 42 million |
| Global ozone exposures | 12 ppb to 67 ppb |
| Countries with the highest average ozone exposures in 2019 | Qatar, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Pakistan, Kuwait, the Islamic Republic of Iraq, the Republic of Korea, and Saudi Arabia |
| Countries with the lowest ozone concentrations | Small island states, such as Micronesia and Papua New Guinea |
| Average global exposure to ozone | Increased from about 47 ppb in 2010 to nearly 50 ppb in 2019 |
| People at risk from breathing ozone | People with asthma, children, older adults, people who are active outdoors, people with certain genetic characteristics, people with reduced intake of certain nutrients, and women |
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What You'll Learn
Ozone pollution is a global issue
Ozone pollution is a pressing global issue that poses significant risks to human health and the environment. Ground-level ozone, formed by chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight, is a harmful air pollutant. This pollution is not limited to a specific region but is prevalent worldwide, affecting both urban and rural areas.
Ozone pollution has detrimental effects on human health, particularly for individuals with asthma, children, older adults, and those who are active outdoors. Inhalation of ozone can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, exacerbated asthma symptoms, and irritation and damage to airways. It can trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and increase the risk of respiratory issues and premature death. Moreover, ozone pollution is linked to increased risks of premature birth and lower birth weight in newborns.
The sources of ozone pollution are diverse and widespread. The burning of fossil fuels, industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and power plants all contribute significantly to the problem. Climate change further exacerbates ozone pollution by creating conditions that accelerate its formation. Warmer temperatures, a consequence of climate change, increase the rate of chemical reactions that produce ozone. This trend is particularly concerning as global exposure to ozone has been steadily rising over the past decade.
Addressing ozone pollution requires collective efforts at various levels of government. The Clean Air Act, a landmark legislation, has played a crucial role in driving pollution reduction for over 50 years. However, recent setbacks have been observed, with more counties receiving failing grades for ozone pollution in the "State of the Air" report for 2025. To protect public health and mitigate the impacts of ozone pollution, policymakers must continue to prioritize air quality improvements and enforce regulations that reduce emissions from industrial sites, power plants, and vehicles.
Individuals also have a role in combating ozone pollution. People can take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities by staying informed about air quality forecasts and limiting outdoor activities when unhealthy air quality is expected. Additionally, advocating for cleaner air and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution can contribute to broader societal efforts to address this global issue.
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The health effects of ozone pollution
Ozone is one of the six common air pollutants identified in the Clean Air Act. It is formed by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This happens when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, and chemical plants react in the presence of sunlight.
Ozone pollution, also called smog, is dangerous and widespread. It is the main ingredient in "smog" and is currently one of the least well-controlled pollutants in the United States. Tropospheric, or ground-level ozone, is not emitted directly into the air but is created by human activities.
Ozone in the air we breathe can harm our health, especially on hot sunny days when ozone levels tend to be higher. Even relatively low levels of ozone can irritate the lungs, resulting in inflammation. Inhaling ozone can cause coughing, shortness of breath, worsen asthma or bronchitis symptoms, and irritate and damage airways. People most at risk from breathing ozone-polluted air include those with asthma, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers. In addition, people with certain genetic characteristics and those with reduced intake of certain nutrients, such as vitamins C and E, are at greater risk from ozone exposure. Children are at the greatest risk from ozone exposure because their lungs are still developing, and they are more likely to be active outdoors when ozone levels are high.
Ozone exposure can cause premature death, especially when combined with other risk factors. Strong evidence exists of the deadly impact of ozone from large studies conducted across the world. Researchers have repeatedly found that the risk of premature death increases with higher levels of ozone exposure. Long-term exposure to ozone is associated with increased respiratory illnesses, metabolic disorders, nervous system issues, and reproductive issues.
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People at risk from ozone pollution
Ozone pollution, also known as smog, is a harmful air pollutant that can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. Tropospheric, or ground-level ozone, is formed by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds, which are emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, and other sources. While ozone is beneficial in the upper atmosphere, where it shields us from ultraviolet radiation, ground-level ozone is a serious health concern.
According to the American Lung Association, more than 156 million people reside in counties that received a failing grade for ozone or particle pollution in the "State of the Air" report in 2025. This issue is widespread, with 211 counties across 35 states and Washington, D.C., experiencing poor air quality.
Several factors increase an individual's risk of adverse health effects from ozone pollution. Firstly, people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are particularly vulnerable. Ozone can trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate existing lung diseases. Children are also at high risk due to their developing lungs and higher likelihood of engaging in outdoor activities during periods of elevated ozone levels. Additionally, older adults face an increased risk of premature death, even when exposed to ozone levels below the national standard.
Furthermore, individuals with certain genetic characteristics and nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamins C and E, are more susceptible to the harmful effects of ozone. Research also suggests that women may face a higher respiratory health risk from ozone exposure. People of colour and those with lower incomes are disproportionately impacted by air pollution, putting them at a higher risk for illness and adverse health outcomes.
Ozone pollution is not limited to urban areas. Wind can carry ozone over long distances, affecting even rural regions. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed about air quality forecasts and take precautionary measures to protect their health, especially during hot sunny days when ozone levels tend to be at their highest.
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How to protect yourself from ozone pollution
Ozone pollution, also known as smog, is a harmful air pollutant that can have adverse effects on human health and the environment. It is formed when pollutants emitted by vehicles, power plants, and industrial sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight. While ozone pollution is a widespread issue, there are several ways to protect yourself from its harmful impacts.
Stay Informed About Air Quality:
Monitor air quality forecasts and local air quality indices, which indicate when ground-level ozone levels are unhealthy. Websites like AirNow.gov and Enviroflash.info provide notifications and information about air quality in your area. Staying informed helps you make informed decisions to protect your health.
Limit Outdoor Activities:
On days with high ozone levels, limit your time outdoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day when ozone concentrations are typically higher. If you must exercise outdoors, consider doing so early in the morning or late in the evening when ozone levels tend to be lower.
Reduce Personal Contributions to Ozone Pollution:
Avoid activities that contribute to ozone pollution, such as driving. Opt for public transportation, biking, or walking whenever possible. These choices not only reduce your exposure to ozone but also help decrease the overall amount of ozone in the air.
Protect Your Health:
If you have asthma or other pre-existing respiratory conditions, take extra precautions during periods of high ozone pollution. Consider wearing a mask designed to filter out pollutants, especially if you must spend time outdoors. Additionally, stay informed about the correlation between air pollution and behavioural disorders, as well as the increased risk of lung cancer and other serious health issues.
Advocate for Clean Air:
Join efforts advocating for cleaner air and stricter air quality standards. Support organisations like the American Lung Association and the Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, which provide valuable research and resources on the impacts of ozone pollution and ways to protect yourself.
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How to reduce ozone pollution
More than 156 million people live in counties that received an F for either ozone or particle pollution in 2025. Ozone pollution is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. It is caused by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, and chemical plants. Here are some ways to reduce ozone pollution:
Reduce Emissions from Vehicles and Transportation
Motor vehicles are a significant source of the pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone formation. To reduce emissions, individuals can opt for walking, biking, or using public transportation instead of driving alone. Electric vehicles are also a cleaner alternative to gas-powered cars, and proper maintenance of gas-powered vehicles can help reduce emissions.
Improve Industrial Practices
Power plants and industrial sites are major contributors to ozone pollution. Implementing cleaner technologies and practices in these sectors can significantly reduce emissions. This includes adopting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and regulating the release of pollutants through stringent standards and regulations.
Advocate for Policy Change
Individuals can advocate for stronger air quality standards and policies at the local, state, and federal levels. This includes supporting the implementation of the Clean Air Act and other initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution. Staying informed about air quality and participating in community efforts to improve it can also help drive change.
Limit Outdoor Activities during High Ozone Days
On days when ozone levels are predicted to be high, individuals can limit their exposure by reducing strenuous outdoor activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Scheduling outdoor activities for mornings or evenings and paying attention to respiratory symptoms can help reduce the health risks associated with ozone pollution.
Practice Energy Conservation and Recycling
Conserving energy and recycling can help reduce air pollution. Using clean energy sources, such as solar or wind power, can decrease the demand for energy generated by fossil fuels, which contributes to ozone-forming emissions. Recycling conserves energy by reducing the need for new resource extraction and manufacturing, thereby lowering overall pollution levels.
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Frequently asked questions
More than 156 million people live in counties that received an F for ozone pollution in 2025. This is a worrying increase from the previous year, where more than 125 million people lived in counties with F grades for ozone smog.
Ozone pollution is a global issue, but the 10 countries with the highest average ozone exposures in 2019 were in Asia and the Middle East. These include Qatar, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Pakistan, Kuwait, Iraq, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
People with asthma, children, older adults, and those who are active outdoors are most at risk from breathing air containing ozone. People of color and those with lower incomes are also disproportionately affected by air pollution.
