Air Quality Control. . .
Ozone

On March 12, 2008 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new standard for ground-level ozone. The new standard is 75ppb (parts per billion) for both the primary (health related) and secondary (environmental) standards. The current ozone level in the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is 77ppb based on readings from the years 2005-2007. The Springfield MSA now must be aggressive in reducing ground-level ozone.

A collaborative group called the Ozarks Clean Air Alliance (OCAA) is currently working on a Clean Air Action Plan that encourages businesses to reduce emissions and encourages the public to take small steps that, united, will make a big difference.

Ozone is an air pollutant formed by chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides, reactive hydrocarbons, and sunlight. Commonly referred to as "smog", ozone is a powerful respiratory irritant that can cause coughing, shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, and lung damage. Children, the elderly, those with respiratory ailments, and people who exercise outdoors are especially susceptible to its effects. Ozone can also reduce crop yields and cause damage to rubber, plastics, and many common building materials.

There are two types of ozone in our atmosphere. There is the "good ozone" found in the upper (stratosphere) atmosphere that helps protect us from the sun's ultraviolet rays, and there is the "bad ozone", or ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone is listed by EPA as a Criteria Pollutant and can cause adverse health effects.


What is the air quality index for ozone in the Springfield area?
The Air Quality Control Division posts daily ozone forecasts on AirNOW.


What can I do to reduce ground-level ozone?

• Drive Wise
• The Choices You Make At Home Affect Air Quality
• Your Yard and Clean Air
• Your Car and Clean Air: What You Can Do to Reduce Pollution
• Tips to Save Gas and Improve Mileage

What is an ozone action day?
Ozone action days are announced when the AQI is forecast to be "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups", or Code Orange. In this case, the groups that are sensitive to the pollutant should reduce exposure by reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. This would include: children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with lung disease, such as asthma. The Ozone Action Day will not only include health advisory information, but will also include information encouraging the public to take measures to reduce ozone on that day. Such measures could include: carpooling, riding the bus, filling up with gas after 6:00 pm or mowing your lawn after 6:00 pm. These actions can help reduce pollutants that are responsible for generating ozone.


What else should I know about ozone?

• What ozone is
• How ground-level ozone forms
• How ground-level ozone impacts my health
• How good ozone and bad ozone differ

Springfield-Greene County Health Department 227 East Chestnut Expressway Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 864-1658 * (417) 864-1099 fax Email questions or comments to the Webmaster.