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Environmental Services Program

Ozone

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms (O₃). It can be “good” or “bad” depending on its location in the atmosphere:

  • Stratospheric ozone (“Good” ozone): Found in the upper atmosphere, it protects life by filtering harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
  • Ground-level ozone (“Bad” ozone): A harmful air pollutant and a key component of smog, created by chemical reactions between pollutants from vehicles, power plants, and industrial sources in the presence of sunlight. Found near the Earth’s surface, created by human-made pollutants reacting in sunlight.

 

How Does Ground-Level Ozone Form?

Unlike some pollutants that are directly emitted into the air, ground-level ozone is formed through chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants come from sources such as vehicle emissions, power plants, industrial facilities, and chemical refineries. When exposed to sunlight, these chemicals react to create ozone.

 

Ozone pollution is typically worse on hot, sunny days in urban areas. However, it can also be transported by wind to rural and tribal lands, including the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB) community, potentially impacting air quality even in areas with minimal local pollution sources.

 

The Difference Between “Good” and “Bad” Ozone

Stratospheric ozone is essential for protecting life on Earth by blocking harmful UV radiation. However, ground-level ozone is harmful to both humans and the environment. This “bad” ozone can cause a range of respiratory issues and is a key component of smog, which can reduce air quality and visibility.

Figure 1: Good Ozone & Bad Ozone?
Source: World Ozone Day 09.16.2021, Drishti, drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-ozone-day-1/print_manually

Health Effects of Ground-Level Ozone

Ozone pollution can have serious health impacts, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma. Exposure to high ozone levels can cause shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, and lung inflammation. Long-term exposure can lead to permanent lung damage and an increased risk of respiratory diseases.

 

For LTBB community members, air pollution from the ozone layer may exacerbate health disparities and affect those who rely on traditional activities such as outdoor ceremonies, hunting, and fishing. On high ozone days, it is important to take precautions, such as limiting outdoor activities and checking local air quality reports.

Environmental Effects of Ozone on LTBB Lands

Ozone pollution doesn’t just affect human health, it also harms the environment. Elevated ozone levels can damage forests, wetlands, and agricultural crops, which are vital to the ecosystem and traditional practices of the LTBB community. Sensitive plant species can experience reduced growth, leaf damage, and decreased resistance to disease and pests.

 

Additionally, ozone pollution can impact water quality by affecting plant life along rivers and lakes, which can have downstream effects on fish and other aquatic species. For a community that relies on the natural environment for sustenance and cultural practices, ozone pollution poses a significant threat.

What Can Be Done to Reduce Ozone Pollution?

Both individuals and governments play a role in reducing ozone pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces national air quality standards to control ambient/outdoor ozone levels. States and tribal governments work to implement policies that reduce emissions from industrial and transportation sources. LTBB ‘s air quality program is working to further Tribal sovereignty on LTBB lands everyday through the ambient air quality program.

 

On a personal level, community members can help reduce ozone pollution by:

  • Driving less
  • Using public transportation
  • Conserving energy

Avoiding the use of gas-powered equipment during peak ozone hours

 

Checking local air quality reports, such as those on AirNow.gov or the AirNow App, can help individuals take protective measures on days when ozone levels are high. Additionally the AirNow App will give daily recommendations on what activities are and are not recommended depending on the air quality for the day.

 

APA References List

Drishti IAS. (2021, September 16). World Ozone Day. https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-ozone-day-1

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (n.d.). Ground-level ozone pollution. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ozone-pollution/ground-level-ozone-pollution

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (n.d.). Ozone layer protection. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). Health effects of ozone pollution. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ground-level-ozone-pollution/health-effects-ozone-pollution

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). What is ozone pollution?. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ozone-pollution/what-ozone-pollution

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). How is ozone formed?. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ground-level-ozone-pollution/how-ozone-forms