Ground level ozone in Washington's air

Ozone

Ozone high in the Earth's atmosphere protects us from the sun's harmful radiation. But at ground level, ozone is an air pollutant that harms people and plants. Ground-level ozone forms when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react with each other in sunlight and hot temperatures. This pollution comes from vehicles, industry, and other sources and contributes to smog formation.

Ecology and local clean air agencies monitor air to ensure ground-level ozone meets Washington's air quality standards. Ozone levels used to exceed national standards in the Seattle and Vancouver areas. Due to improvements in vehicles and other emission-reducing requirements, ozone pollution has declined even as the population continues to grow.

Ozone in Washington

In the late 1970s and '80s, ozone levels downwind of some of Washington's urban areas were high enough to violate national air quality standards. Parts of Snohomish, King, Pierce, and Clark counties didn't meet the air quality standard because of high ozone levels.

By the mid-90s, all of Washington met the national standard. More protective emissions standards for vehicles, cleaner fuels, and gas station vapor controls helped reduce ozone pollution.

Generally, ozone levels tend to be higher downwind of urban areas. This is because it takes a while for pollutants to react with sunlight. Although Washington currently meets the ozone standard, we continue to watch the following areas closely:

• Western foothills of Cascade Mountains
• Tri-Cities area (Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland)

Maintaining clean air

To make sure air continues to meet Washington standards, we partner with local clean air agencies to monitor ozone at 13 locations. We monitor ozone at:

• Urban locations (Seattle, Vancouver, and Spokane)
• Downwind of urban locations (eight sites)
• Natural rural location (Olympic Peninsula)
• High elevation location (Mt. Rainier)

Federal ozone standards

On July 13, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed to retain the existing ozone standards, originally adopted in 2015. On Sept. 29, 2020, we submitted comments recommending that EPA adopt more stringent standards for ozone pollution in order to better protect public health. 

• Read Ecology's comments to EPA

What you can do

To help prevent ozone from forming on hot days:

• Don't drive unless you have to. Share a ride, take the bus, ride your bike, or walk when you can. If you must drive, combine your trips.
• Refuel your car or truck after dusk. Don't top off your tank.
• Limit engine idling.
• Put off using gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment until the hot spell is over.
• Don't use your barbecue or fire pit.
• Conserve electricity. Set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
• Save that painting project for later. Don't use paint or other products that release solvent gases.

When pollution rises on hot days:

• Cut down on strenuous physical activity outside.
• Stay inside until it cools down outside.