Ozone and other things that pollute the air are problems for
anyone who breathes. And if a person has asthma, these
pollutants can be triggers (like pollen or cigarette smoke) that
cause worsening symptoms and asthma flare-ups. What Is Ozone?
You've probably heard about the ozone layer and how we need to
protect it. This layer is up high in the atmosphere, and it
protects us from the sun's rays. But there's another layer of
ozone closer to the ground. The ozone in this layer can irritate
the lungs and cause breathing problems. This ozone pollution is
created when chemicals from cars, power plants, and factories
mix with sunlight. That's why ozone tends to be higher in
sunnier climates or during hot weather. It is a main part of
smog, that brownish-yellow haze often seen hanging over cities
on the horizon. Ground ozone levels have gone down since 2000,
according to the American Lung Association. But more than half
of the people in the United States still live in areas with
unhealthy ozone levels. What Are Othe