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dangers of ozone
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In the summer we have very high levels of ozone in the foothills of Northern California . The media warn us of this, and say to stay inside, but they never say what ozone does to our bodies. Does someone know? Thanks!
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As Cheeris says, Ozone is highly reactine and can combine with both lipids (fats) and proteins in a process known as peroxidation. Ozone may easily add on across a double bond and then it decomposes to form a free radical. Free radicals are extremely damaging to living matter because they are so reactive.
Because peroxides are so damaging to life, an enzyme called catalase evolved early in evolution to mop up peroxides before they do harm. Catalase is found in both plants and animals but is found in higher concentrations in warm-blooded animals that have higher metabolic rates and rely more on reactions involving oxygen.
Because peroxides are so damaging to life, an enzyme called catalase evolved early in evolution to mop up peroxides before they do harm. Catalase is found in both plants and animals but is found in higher concentrations in warm-blooded animals that have higher metabolic rates and rely more on reactions involving oxygen.
gen2 has outlined the biochemical effects of ozone in the human body. I'll therefore confine myself to the medical aspects of exposure.
Ozone irritates the eyes and respiratory tract; eye exposure may cause conjunctivitis. Inhalation of the gas can cause pulmonary oedema which can cause death. Inhalation of the gas may cause asthma-like reactions. The liquid may cause frostbite-like symptoms. Ozone may affect the central nervous system, causing headache and impaired concentration. Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to ozone may be severe and include irritation and burns of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. An increased respiratory rate, shallow breathing, cough, dyspnoea (shortness of breath), bronchitis, pulmonary oedema, and pulmonary haemorrhage may occur. Tachycardia and hypotension may be encountered too. Neurological effects include fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, exhilaration, and depression. Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia may also be observed.
A level of 0.2 ppm for 3 hours in general, does not produce symptoms. Levels of 0.3 ppm may cause tightness in the chest and throat, dry throat, and irritation of throat and lungs within 30 minutes. Levels of 0.5 ppm and above produce a sulphur-like odour and may cause headache, drowsiness, loss of coordination, and accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Levels near 10 ppm may result in immediate, severe irritation of throat and lungs, excessive sweating, continual coughing, decreased blood pressure, weak and rapid pulse, and severe chemical pneumonia. Death may occur from prolonged exposures at 2 ppm or short exposures at 10 ppm. Ozone is insidious in that breathing difficulties may not occur for up to six hours after toxic exposure.
(continued)
Ozone irritates the eyes and respiratory tract; eye exposure may cause conjunctivitis. Inhalation of the gas can cause pulmonary oedema which can cause death. Inhalation of the gas may cause asthma-like reactions. The liquid may cause frostbite-like symptoms. Ozone may affect the central nervous system, causing headache and impaired concentration. Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to ozone may be severe and include irritation and burns of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. An increased respiratory rate, shallow breathing, cough, dyspnoea (shortness of breath), bronchitis, pulmonary oedema, and pulmonary haemorrhage may occur. Tachycardia and hypotension may be encountered too. Neurological effects include fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, exhilaration, and depression. Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia may also be observed.
A level of 0.2 ppm for 3 hours in general, does not produce symptoms. Levels of 0.3 ppm may cause tightness in the chest and throat, dry throat, and irritation of throat and lungs within 30 minutes. Levels of 0.5 ppm and above produce a sulphur-like odour and may cause headache, drowsiness, loss of coordination, and accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Levels near 10 ppm may result in immediate, severe irritation of throat and lungs, excessive sweating, continual coughing, decreased blood pressure, weak and rapid pulse, and severe chemical pneumonia. Death may occur from prolonged exposures at 2 ppm or short exposures at 10 ppm. Ozone is insidious in that breathing difficulties may not occur for up to six hours after toxic exposure.
(continued)
Ozone is highly toxic via inhalation or by contact of liquid to skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. It is capable of causing acute to chronic lung damage, burns, and death or permanent injury. Ozone can be toxic at a concentration of 100 ppm for 1 minute. Ozone is also capable of causing death from pulmonary oedema. It increases sensitivity of the lungs to bronchoconstrictors and allergens and increases susceptibility to and severity of lung bacterial and viral infections.
Repeated or prolonged exposure will cause lung damage and/or chronic respiratory disease
Repeated or prolonged exposure will cause lung damage and/or chronic respiratory disease
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