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Donna Feldman
Denver Health ExaminerDonna Feldman grew up in New Jersey with a nutrition-obsessed mother who put wheat
germ in everything. She rebelled, but during a college all-nighter, she picked up a copy
of a popular nutrition paperback, eventually earning a Master of Science in Nutrition at Cornell University. She now has a private practice in nutrition counseling in
Boulder County. Contact her at health.examiner@mindspring.com.
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10 ozone facts
1 comment
by Donna Feldman, Denver Health Examiner
Ozone made of 3 oxygen atoms
- Ozone is 3 oxygen atoms linked together, a highly reactive molecule formed when sunlight hits air containing hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.
- Main ingredient in smog
- Ozone reacts with proteins and lipids on lung cells. The injured cells can leak enzymes land inflammatory mediators.
- People most susceptible to damaging effects of ozone are children, anyone with asthma or respiratory disease, adults who exercise outdoors
- Symptoms of ozone sensitivity include: coughing, throat irritation, pain/burning/discomfort when breathing, chest tightness or wheezing. However, lung damage can occur in people who do not experience any symptoms.
- Even healthy athletes can experience ill effects, because they are moving more air in and out of the lungs when exercising outdoors. This will be a big concern at the Olympics next month.
- Lung cell damage can be compared to sunburn damage to skin cells. In a few days, damaged cells are replaced with healthy new cells, as long as exposure to ozone is reduced.
- Ozone can continue to cause lung damage even when no symptoms are present, during extended periods of air pollution.
- Least ozone exposure: sedentary person resting in an air conditioned building. Most exposure: athlete training heavily (ex: running or biking) outdoors.
- What level of ozone produces adverse effects? It's impossible to say. Ozone effects depend on general susceptibility and physical activity as well as air levels. Some people appear to be more susceptible due to genetics, even though they may not be in an at risk group.
For more info: Scroll down to see The Air Quality Index, a color-coded system for classifying ozone danger.
Topics: ozone , air pollution , lung damage
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