Ozone and Health Deborah M. Drechsler, Ph.D. Sierra Ozone Summit June 4, 2008

Overview Introduction to ozone Health effects of ozone Ambient air quality standards for ozone Current ozone exposures

Introduction What is ozone? Where does ozone come from? Why do we care about ozone?

What Are the Health Effects of Ozone? Reduced lung function Respiratory symptoms Airway inflammation Increased hospital and ER usage Increased school absenteeism Premature death

Responses proportional to inhaled dose Inhaled dose is a function of:  Concentration  Breathing rate  Exposure duration Inhaled Dose is Important

6 Who Is Most at Risk of Having Adverse Responses to Ozone? People with asthma Children Outdoor workers Athletes Elderly people with chronic lung disease

Effects of Ozone Exposure on Children Reduced lung function with acute exposure Increased school absenteeism Emergency room visits for asthma exacerbation Lower attained lung function in young adults raised in high ozone areas Asthma induction in active children living in high ozone communities (needs confirmation)

8 Ozone Standards California Ozone Standards:  0.09 ppm for 1 hour  ppm for 8 hours  Based on: –Decreased lung function –Cough and chest pain –Aggravated breathing problems National Ozone Standard:  ppm for 8 hours

National 8-Hr O 3 Standard Exceedances

Nonattainment Areas: and ppm Standards

Days above State 8-hr Ozone Std. Days of Unhealthy Ozone Levels San Diego Bay Area South Coast San Joaquin Valley Sacramento

Current compared to attainment (annually): 630 ( ) premature deaths 4,200 ( ) hospitalizations for respiratory diseases 660 ( ) emergency room visits for asthma for children under 18 years of age 3.7 million (470, million) school absences among children 5 to 17 years of age 3.1 ( million) million minor restricted activity days for adults above 18 years of age Health Impacts of Ozone Exposure

Summary Ozone exposure can induce adverse health effects  Non-fatal impacts  Premature death Children have same effects as adults Greatest risk of experiencing adverse effects for people who are active outdoors Ozone exposure is decreasing, but still high in California