Ozone Health Advisories Issued for National Parks

Today – Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Currently, no national parks are issuing ozone health advisories.

Ozone is an air pollutant produced from human-caused emissions that reacts in sunlight. High concentrations of ozone can cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract, particularly during heavy physical activity. Ozone concentrations have approached and exceeded the national health standards at several National Park Service areas.

Because of possible health effects and concern for the health and safety of visitors and employees, the National Park Service developed guidance for ozone advisory programs in National Park Service units where levels approach or exceed the ozone health standard (75 parts per billion, 8-hour average). Whenever ozone levels exceed or are predicted to exceed this health standard at these parks, the park personnel post health advisories cautioning visitors of the potential health risks associated with exposures to elevated levels.

Levels of Public Health Concern for 8-hr Average Ozone »