With only 10 days to before the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, Beijing is starting to take center stage on world news. Funnily enough, most of the reports are focusing on the pollution levels in Beijing.

“Ground level ozone” was a term I heard mentioned today on CNN. Not knowing exactly what this is, I found some information on the U.S. EPA website.

Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ground-level ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.

The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set air quality standards to protect both public health and the public welfare (e.g. crops and vegetation). Ground-level ozone affects both.

Health Effects
People with lung disease, children, older adults, and people who are active can be affected when ozone levels are unhealthy. Numerous scientific studies have linked ground-level ozone exposure to a variety of problems, including:

* airway irritation, coughing, and pain when taking a deep breath;
* wheezing and breathing difficulties during exercise or outdoor activities;
* inflammation, which is much like a sunburn on the skin;
* aggravation of asthma and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis; and,
* permanent lung damage with repeated exposures.