The Air Quality Index (AQI) indicates that the San Bernadino, CA area has been issued a Unhealthy Warning based on ground level ozone measurements. All persons in the area are advised to be on the lookout for health effects related to this pollutant. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that although ozone in the stratosphere protects us from harmful UV radiation, low level ozone is dangerous. Infants, children, and those with respitratory problems may be in particular danger. In addition to ground level ozone, particulate air pollutants are also moderately high. In addition to the high ozone levels on the west coast, the east coast is also experiencing higher than normal particulate air pollutants.
Ground Level Ozone is caused when the sun reacts with pollutants from cars and industrial plants to form ozone at or near the surface of earth. Unfortunately, the bright and sunny days of the San Bernadino area may be increases the chances of the formation of ground level ozone. Summertime is especially dangerous in many traditionally sunny areas, especially those areas with large populations.
The Environmental Protection Agency issues warnings and advisories for five major air pollutants
- ground-level ozone
- particle pollution
- carbon monoxide
- sulfur dioxide
- nitrogen dioxide
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