Ozone damages trees and plants. It impairs plant growth, and makes them more easily harmed by insects and disease.
Ground-level ozone irritates the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system. It's especially bad for those with chronic heart and lung disease (like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema), children and the elderly, as well as pregnant women.
Coughing and throat/chest irritation
High levels of ozone can irritate your respiratory system. Mild symptoms usually last for a short time after exposure. However, if levels remain high, then ozone can continue to harm your lungs even after symptoms disappear.
Difficulty breathing and lung damage
Ozone aggressively attacks lung tissue. You might think of it as sunburn on your lungs. It can make it hard to breathe, especially during exercise.
Worsening asthma symptoms
Exposure to high levels of ozone can trigger asthma attacks.