Protecting Your Children from Ozone

Ozone is a colorless, odorless gas found in the air. It is made when certain pollutants react in heat and sunlight. Cars and trucks are the main source of these pollutants. Other sources of pollutants are industrial plants, power plants, lawn mowers and paints. At high levels, ozone harms lung function, especially in children and adults with asthma.

Why does ozone affect children more than adults?

• For their size, children take in more air (and ozone) than adults when they breathe.
• Children's lungs are developing, and airways are more likely to narrow in response to ozone.
• Children tend to spend a lot of time playing outdoors.
• Children breathe faster and more deeply when they are active. This allows ozone to reach more sensitive areas of the lungs.

What can be done to avoid the effects of ozone?

On days when ozone levels are high, limit time spent outdoors, especially for active children. Give children a chance to play indoors instead.

How to find out the ozone level for the day (May to September)

• Check local weather reports on TV or radio stations during the peak ozone months of May to September.
• The codes for ozone alert days are:

Green	Good Day, go outside and have fun!
Yellow	Moderate, consider limiting long, outdoor activities
Orange	Unhealthy for children with asthma, limit outdoor activites
Red	Unhealthy for all children, limit outdoor activites
Purple	Very unhealthy for everyone, avoid outdoor activity

• For specific non-emergency questions about environmental safety for children, call the Southeast Pediatric Environmental Specialty Unit toll-free at 1-877-337-3478.
• For general information, visit these Web sites:

For Adults:
US Environmental Protection Agency
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
The Clean Air Campaign

For Kids:
Greater Mercer TMA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America