How Yoy Yoyrself?
People with asthma should be aware that on high ozone
days they may be more susceptible to asthma attacks.
WATCH FOR OZONE ACTION! DAYS
Ozone Action! Days are called when weather forecasters
predict weather conditions that are likely to cause high
ozone.
LIMIT TIME OUTDOORS
People at risk should try to limit their time outdoors on
high ozone days in order to reduce the risk of exposure
to ozone When indoors, it is recommended to stay in
a well ventilated or air-conditioned environment.
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR
If, at any time, you experience symptoms such
as tightness in the chest, coughing, and wheezing —
contact your doctor or local clinic.
What Can Yoy Do?
In addition to the precautions you can take to reduce
your exposure to ozone, you can also do your part to
reduce the ozone problem. As part of the Ozone Action!
Day Program, the area's industries, small businesses,
and local residents are asked to voluntarily reduce
emissions that can cause ozone pollution
Actions you can take to reduce ozone
pollution include:
• Postpone mowing your lawn.
• Fill your car's gas tank in the evening.
• Carpool, bus, walk, or bike to work.
For More Information
Contact your State air pollution control
agency or U.S. EPA:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(414)263-8500
Wisconsin Department of Health
(414)286-3521
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1-800-621-8431
American Lung Association of Wisconsin
(414) 782-7833
Sixteenth Street Community Health Center
(414)672-1353
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Region 5
77 West Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604
May 1997
EPA-905-F-97-005
&EPA
For
PEOPLE WITH
ASTHMA
Problems
IN SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN
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'S WRONIG.
is
Ground-level ozone is commonly referred to as smog
Smog is formed when a mixture of air pollutants are
"baked" in the hot, summer sun. These pollutants are
released from cars and factories
When people think about ozone, they usually picture
a thick layer of smog over Los Angeles. They may not
think that Southeast Wisconsin also has a smog
problem.
However, people in Southeast Wisconsin face a
challenging ozone problem that poses a significant
health risk. The ozone problem affects the outlying
suburban and rural areas as well as Milwaukee, Racine,
and Kenosha.
are of
Although it cannot be seen or tasted, ozone can cause
a variety of effects on your respiratory system.
COUGHING AND WHEEZING
Ozone can irritate your lungs and throat, causing
symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.
SHORTNESS OF BREATH
Ozone can constrict your breathing passages, making
it harder to breathe.
CHEST PAIN
Ozone reacts with lung tissue, causing swelling and
chest pain.
These health effects are of concern to everyone who
works, plays, or spends time outdoors — even the
healthiest of people. However, the effects are most
dangerous for people with asthma, children, and the
elderly
ASTHMATICS
Ozone can aggravate asthma, causing more asthma
attacks, increased use of medication, more medical
treatment, and more visits to hospital emergency clinics.
CHILDREN
Asthma is one of the leading causes of childhood
hospital admissions. In addition, children are more
susceptible to the effects of ozone because:
• Pound for pound, children breathe more air
(and ozone) than adults
• Children spend more time outdoors
than adults.
• Children's respiratory systems are still
developing.
ELDERLY
Ozone presents an increased risk to the elderly because
it can aggravate pre-existing respiratory diseases and
is associated with increased hospital admissions. The
elderly experience reduced sensitivity to the symptoms
of ozone; therefore, early warning signs of the harmful
effects of ozone may not be present
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