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Ozone Pollution: Risks, Effects, and Solutions

Learn about the negative impacts of ozone pollution on health and the environment, ways to reduce exposure, and the role of agencies in monitoring and controlling emissions. Discover how federal, state, and local regulations play a crucial role in achieving clean air.

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Ozone Pollution: Risks, Effects, and Solutions

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  1. SIERRA OZONE SUMMIT Deborah Jordan, PhD Air Program Director U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9

  2. 1. San Bernadino, CA: 121 ppb 2. Los Angeles, CA: 112 ppb Riverside, CA: 112 ppb 4. Kern, CA: 110 ppb 5. Tulare, CA: 103 ppb Harris, TX: 103 ppb 7. Fresno, CA: 98 ppb 8. Sacramento, CA: 97 ppb Placer, CA: 97 ppb 10. Nevada, CA: 96 ppb Brazoria, TX: 96 ppb Tarrant, TX: 96 ppb 646 counties monitor ozone nation-wide Based on 2004-2006 data Worst Counties for Ozone

  3. Negative Effects of Ozone • Health Effects • Airway irritation, coughing, and pain when taking a deep breath; • Aggravation of asthma and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis; and, • Permanent lung damage with repeated exposures. • Environmental Effects • Damaging the leaves of trees and other plants, negatively impacting the appearance of urban vegetation, as well as vegetation in national parks and recreation areas; and • Reducing forest growth and crop yields, potentially impacting species diversity in ecosystems.

  4. Working Together Toward Clean Air • Air Districts • Develop clean air plans • Develop rules to control stationary sources • Monitor air quality • CA Air Resources Board • Develop and approve District clean air plans • Control mobile source emissions • Develop Statewide rules • Distribute resources • U.S. EPA • Set and Implement Standards • Control mobile sources • Distribute Resources

  5. EPA’s Role –Set and Implement Standards • EPA sets and reviews National Ambient Air Quality Standards every 5 yrs • Process: • Receive State recommendations as to which areas meet or do not meet the standard • Designate and classify areas • Approve and oversee implementation of the clean air plans

  6. EPA's Role - Control Emissions Nonroad Diesel sales over 650,000 / yr 12B gallons / yr final rule 2004 fully phased in 2015 Tier 2 Light-Duty final rule 1999 fully phased in 2009 Diesels held to same stringent standards as gasoline vehicles 2008 2004 2000 1999 Heavy-Duty Highway sales 800,000 / yr 40B gallons / yr final rule 2000 fully phased in 2010 Locomotive/Marine sales 40,000 (1000 locomotives) / yr 6B gallons / yr 2008 fully phased in 2017

  7. EPA’s Role: Distribute Resources • Monitoring • Funds for routine monitoring to characterize local conditions go to State for distribution • EPA sometimes provides monitoring $ for special needs –R9 gave $30,000 to Northern Sierrafor NOx instrument . • Grants for a variety of clean air projects • AirNow

  8. Real-time Data - AirNow

  9. Ways to Reduce Exposure • Pay attention to the air quality index on AirNow • Protect yourself from ozone - stay indoors during peak concentration times on high ozone days • Understand peak concentrations - seasonal and daily pattern

  10. How Do We Get To Clean Air? • Federal and State regulations, especially mobile sources • Local regulations and regional approaches • Personal actions to help clean the air and reduce exposure

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