by Rita Mcconnell

Created on: January 14, 2009   Last Updated: June 25, 2011

Ground Level Ozone (O3), better known to most as smog, is one of the most commonly occurring types of air pollution in the world. It's also one environmental issue eco-minded people can directly impact through prescribed actions.

Ground Level Ozone occurs when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions "bake" in the air on hot, sunny days. NOx is created by the burning of fossil fuels for power, to run cars and trucks, and in industrial manufacturing. VOC emissions can come from almost anything that produces a chemical vapor, including, but in no way limited to, paints, gasoline, household chemicals, even nail polish.

Ground Level Ozone can cause respiratory problems, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those who already have breathing conditions like asthma and emphysema. Long-term exposure to Ground Level Ozone can cause premature aging of the lungs and bring on respiratory disease. Ozone also causes billions of dollars in crop damage, and in extreme cases can also damage buildings.

Ground Level Ozone concentrations in the air we breathe grow to their most dangerous levels in summer, when consecutively hot, stagnant days can hold pollution in place over a specific area. In cities and regions where ozone and smog are of particular concern, residents may be familiar with the term "Code Red Ozone Action Day." Many meteorologists now use forecasting data from state environmental agencies to provide ozone level information to viewers.

While the NOx and VOC pre-coursers of ozone and smog have many originating points, concerned citizens can do their part to help keep ozone concentrations down on days they are predicted to grow to dangerous levels. Here are some tips:

1. If possible, use mass transit or car pool on hot, sunny days.

2. If it's necessary for you to drive during daytime hours, combine trips and errands, and take the shortest route to each destination.

3. Fill your car up after 6 p.m., when the sun has already begun to lose strength and descend in the sky. Try to use gas stations that have vapor recovery systems on their nozzles (look for a series of holes around the top of the nozzle, or a device that covers the area of your tank when you're fueling).

4. Keep your vehicle serviced and in top operating condition. And replace the gas cap on your vehicle about every two years.

5. Avoid mowing your lawn during the day, and if you plan to use any spray substances on your landscaping, postpone that work for another day as well.

6. Conserve electricity. Most importantly, don't overtax your air conditioning unit. Run it at a reasonable level. Your home should be cool, not cold. Unplug appliances and electronics not in use. Power up your gadgetry overnight, and unplug chargers during the day.

7. Postpone outdoor painting jobs.

8. Try not to use pleasure boats on these days.

9. If you use a charcoal grill and lighter fluid to cook, rethink your dinner plans.

10. Finally, encourage young children and the elderly to be in an air conditioned environment during the hottest hours of the day.

Weakening the power of Ground Level Ozone pollution can be challenging. Most factories and power facilities are regulated for emissions of NOx and VOC, but in some fashion, we all contribute to the overall smog problem. Conveniently, doing our part to curb smog also helps to cut greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. We all drive, all use electricity and want well-kept lawns. Let's all also do out part to keep those activities from increasing health care cost and increasing respiratory illness.

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