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Ozone is one of the major air pollutants affecting human health in Southern
California. It is a highly reactive gas that both benefits and inhibits life on
earth. In the stratosphere (6-30 miles above the earth surface), ozone forms a
protective shield against UV rays, but at ground level, it is a detrimental
air pollutant that reacts chemically with many biological systems leading to a
variety of health complications.
Ground level ozone forms as a result of solar energy acting on air
pollutants, primarily volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitric oxides (NOx).
Significant sources of VOC are chemical plants, gasoline pumps, autobody shops, print shops,
consumer products and paint and coatings. Because these chemical reactions take
place in the presence of sunlight, ozone pollution is a concern during the
summer months when the ideal weather conditions needed to form ground-level
ozone occur. Emissions from the application of architectural and industrial
maintenance coatings during the summer months, typically known as the peak
painting and smog season, are estimated to be more than 60 tons each day. Thus,
in Rule 1113 we specifically target VOC content in paint.
The following graph shows that ozone
levels in the San Bernardino Mountains are highest in the summer and fall, and
peak in the late afternoon.
Exposure to elevated levels of ozone include:
- Airway irritation, coughing, and pain when taking a deep breath
- Wheezing and breathing difficulties during exercise or outdoor activities
- Inflammation, which is much like a sunburn on the skin
- Aggravation of asthma and increased susceptibility to respiratory
illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis
- Permanent lung damage with repeated exposures
The health effects of VOCs specifically vary widely according to
the level of
toxicity, level of exposure, and length of time exposed. Eye and respiratory
tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, memory impairment may be experienced
following exposure. Studies have found that levels of several VOCs average 2 to
5 times higher indoors than outdoors. Levels may be especially high (up to 1,000
times outdoor levels) during and for several hours following certain activities,
such as paint stripping. We therefore recommend excellent ventilation when
painting, and abstaining from painting during the summer months when smog occurs
most frequently.
For more information:
To reduce exposure, make sure to follow the recommendations provided in the
green tab
"Steps for a Conscientious Painter" below.
or visit the following sites:
The Health Effects of Air Pollutions on Children
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html
http://www.epa.gov/air/ozonepollution/health.html
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