Ozone at high concentrations is a health hazard because it can irritate airways, cause breathing difficulties and damage lungs. It can also trigger asthma attacks.

Ozone exposure has been linked to a number of health effects and is thought to be the cause of the premature deaths of thousands of people in Europe each year.

Some people are more vulnerable than others. Children and people with asthma or other respiratory illnesses are particularly high-risk groups.

Ozone also has serious ecological and economic effects. It can damage vegetation and reduce crop yields. Consequently, the costs of ozone pollution are of major concern for national health services, farmers, foresters and others.

See also:

How can I protect my health?