Air Quality Program Manager
928-269-6669

Environmental Department
Air Quality Program Manager
P.O. Box 99110
Yuma, Arizona 85369-9110
Fax: 928-269-5216

Ozone

Ozone up in the atmosphere protects the Earth from the sun's radiation. At ground level it is a harmful air pollutant. Ground-level ozone is the principle ingredient in smog.

Ozone is formed by a chemical reaction of other pollutants such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Nitrogen Oxides react in the presence of sunlight.

Ozone causes breathing problems, asthma, reduced lung function, eye irritation, stuffy nose, and affects your immune system. It makes people more sensitive to allergens.

Smog can damage plants and trees and reduce visibility. Smog can damage rubber and fabrics.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Are chemicals released from burning fuel, solvents, paints, glues, and other products used at work and home. Cars are a major source of VOCs.

Examples of VOCs include benzene, toluene, methylene chloride, formaldehyde, ethylene.

In addition to the health effects caused by ozone (smog), VOCs can cause cancer and other diseases.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas. It is formed when the carbon in gasoline, oil, coal, natural gas, etc.is not burned completely. Oxygenates, such as ethanol is added to gasoline to help it burn cleaner.

Vehicle exhaust contributes about 60% of all carbon monoxide emissions nationwide.

Carbon monoxide levels typically are highest during cold weather, because cold temperatures make combustion less complete and cause inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground.

Carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to bring oxygen to body cells. It is a serious threat to people who have heart or circulatory problems and respiratory problems. Infants and the elderly are the most affected. It can affect the mental alertness and vision of healthy people.

Sulfur Dioxide

Sulfur dioxide is one of the oxides of sulfur referred to as SOx. SOx is caused by burning coal and oil (especially high-sulfur fuels), and industrial processes. It is a principle ingredient in acid rain and smog.

SOx causes breathing problems and can permanently damage the lungs.

SOx is an ingredient in acid rain that can damage lakes and trees. It reduces visibility - SOx is the source of the reddish-brown haze that hangs in the air. SOx can eat away at stone used in buildings and statues.

Sulfur dioxide is an irritant. It can cause wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. People with cardiovascular or chronic lung disease, as well as children and older adults, are most affected by SOx.

Nitrogen Dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide is one of the oxides of nitrogen referred to as NOx. NOx is a smog forming chemical caused by burning gasoline, natural gas, coal, oil, etc. Cars are a major source of NOx.

NOx can damage lungs and cause respiratory system illnesses. If affects children, people with lung diseases such as asthma, and those who work and exercise outdoors are affected.

NOx is an ingredient of acid rain and smog that can damage lakes and trees and it reduces visibility. NOx can eat away at stone used in buildings and statues.

Lead

Lead is released by lead paints, metal refineries, and the manufacture of lead storage batteries.

Lead can cause brain and other nervous system damage. It can damage other organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Children are most at risk from lead. Lead can cause digestive problems.

Lead can also harm wildlife.

Airborne lead levels have decreased significantly due to leaded gasoline being phased in in the 1970s. Today the major cause of airborne lead is metals processing.