Health concerns are a major reason why we should take action to prevent the creation of ozone sources.  Ozone is unhealthy to breathe and negatively affects plant growth causing reduced crop and forest yields.  Anyone who spends time outdoors during periods of high ozone levels may experience a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, and congestion.

Breathing ozone is damagine to the respiratory system and can reduce lung function.  Repeated exposure can even cause permanent damage by scarring lung tissue. 

Here are a few reasons why we should be concerned about breathing ground-level ozone:

	Increases susceptability to respiratory infection and lung inflammation
	Aggravates asthma, brochitis and emphysema
	Increases hospital admissions for respiratory ailments
	Reduces lung function-even during periods of moderate exertion