How Ozone Is Formed

The main ozone-causing pollutants are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Ground level ozone results when VOCs and NOx come together in the hot, still weather of summer.

Sources of VOCs are evaporative emissions from household products such as cleaning fluids and oil-based paints.

Nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are the two forms of nitrogen oxide found in the atmosphere. Nitrogen oxides contribute to the formation of ozone, production of particulate matter pollution, and acid deposition. The presence of nitrogen oxides gives smog its brown appearance.

Factories, motor vehicles and power plants that burn fossil fuels produce nitrogen oxides. Diesel engines produce a disproportionately large amount of NOx compared to gasoline engines because of their high temperature combustion process. Other sources include gas stations, outboard motors, and lawn and construction equipment.

Items such as deodorants, air fresheners, household cleaners, engine degreasers, windshield washer fluids, and non-aerosol, brush-on house paints contain smog contributors. Hair spray, cleaning products, and insecticides are other examples. Solvents, used to enhance cleaning qualities or to dissolve ingredients in products, are also smog contributors.

Activities that we take for granted can have a major impact on the air we breathe, releasing tons of VOCs and NOx into the region's air each day. By better understanding how ground level ozone forms, we can develop everyday strategies to control it.

Northern Shenandoah Valley Air Quality Improvement Task Force
45 East Boscawen Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601
Phone: 540-665-0973 | Fax: 540-722-0604 | info@valleyairnow.com