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Economic
& Environmental Impacts of Ground Level Ozone
These
are just a few indications of the enormous economic and
environmental impacts of ground
level ozone pollution.
When inhaled, even at very low
levels, ozone can: cause acute respiratory problems; aggravate
asthma; cause significant temporary decreases in lung capacity of
15 to over 20 percent in some healthy adults; cause inflammation
of lung tissue; lead to hospital admissions and emergency room
visits; and impair the body's immune system defenses, making
people more susceptible to respiratory illnesses, including
bronchitis and pneumonia. On
days when ozone levels are high, emergency room visits for asthma
attacks have been shown to increase by as much as 36 percent.
The economic effects of such a health crisis are yet only dimly
perceived.
One
EPA estimate links ground level ozone pollution to $2.7 billion
worth of crop damages in 1995 alone. This can mean increased
grocery bills. Ground level ozone also damages ornamental plants
and trees.
Ground-level ozone interferes
with the ability of plants to produce and store food, so that
growth, reproduction and overall plant health are compromised. By
weakening sensitive vegetation, ozone makes plants more
susceptible to disease, pests, and environmental stresses.
Ground-level ozone has been shown to reduce agricultural yields
for many economically important crops (e.g., soybeans, kidney
beans, wheat, cotton). Ground-level ozone can kill or damage
leaves so that they fall off the plants too soon or become spotted
or brown. These effects can significantly decrease the natural
beauty of an area, such as in national parks and recreation areas.
Voluntary
participation in a clean air campaign will help ensure that our
region continues to receive federal transportation funding which
benefits all citizens.
Ground
level ozone may impact a company's bottom line through lost employee
productivity and increased cost for health care benefits.
Bad
air days can keep residents and visitors from enjoying the recreational
attractions in this beautiful region.
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