Ozone levels rising in area

Ozone levels on the Northshore are rising and residents should take precautions, according to a report by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

Jennifer Mouton of the LDEQ said that ozone forms when the sun is very hot and conditions are dry. The recent weather conditions are favorable for formation of ozone in the area, generally known as a summertime pollutant.

Mouton explained that the monitor for air quality on the Northshore is located in Madisonville, but residents of the entire area should take precautions, particularly the elderly, the very young and those with lung or breathing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.

To combat the formation of ozone, Mouton said residents should try to conserve energy as much as possible and drive less and carpool when possible. In addition, fueling cars and boats after 6 p.m. and using combustible engines and lawn equipment after 6 p.m. will also help. The main causes of ozone pollution are motor vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions and gasoline vapors.

The Environmental Protection Agency sets a standard level of ozone safety of 75 parts per billion. The latest reading for St. Tammany Parish is 65 PPB, according to the LDEQ Web site, www.deq.la.gov. Click on “Air” to get to the live ozone monitoring system.

Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ground-level ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.

Mouton said that those suffering from health problems with breathing, particularly if they are elderly or very young should stay indoors as much as possible.