Ozone and HealthOzone and Health Deborah M. Drechsler, Ph.D. Deborah M. Drechsler, Ph.D.

Sierra Ozone Sierra Ozone SummitSummitJune 4, 2008June 4, 2008

OverviewOverview

Introduction to ozoneIntroduction to ozone

Health effects of ozoneHealth effects of ozone

Ambient air quality standards for ozoneAmbient air quality standards for ozone

Current ozone exposuresCurrent ozone exposures

IntroductionIntroduction

What is ozone?What is ozone?

Where does ozone come from?Where does ozone come from?

Why do we care about ozone?Why do we care about ozone?

What Are the Health What Are the Health Effects of Ozone?Effects of Ozone?

Reduced lung function Respiratory symptomsAirway inflammationIncreased hospital and ER usage Increased school absenteeismPremature death

Responses proportional to inhaled dose

Inhaled dose is a function of: Concentration Breathing rate

Exposure duration

Inhaled Dose is Important

1 2 3 4 5 6

Hour

-15

-10

-5

0

Perc

en

tag

e C

han

ge

Percentage change in FEV1, by Hour

ED = 1187 ppm lED = 1384 ppm lED = 1573 ppm lED = 0 ppm l

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Who Is Who Is MostMost at Risk of Having Adverse at Risk of Having Adverse Responses to Ozone?Responses to Ozone?

People with asthmaPeople with asthmaChildrenChildrenOutdoor workersOutdoor workersAthletesAthletesElderly people with Elderly people with chronic lung chronic lung diseasedisease

Effects of Ozone Exposure Effects of Ozone Exposure on Childrenon Children

Reduced lung function with acute exposureReduced lung function with acute exposure

Increased school absenteeismIncreased school absenteeism

Emergency room visits for asthma Emergency room visits for asthma exacerbationexacerbation

Lower attained lung function in young adults Lower attained lung function in young adults

raised in high ozone areasraised in high ozone areas

Asthma induction in active children living in Asthma induction in active children living in high ozone communities (needs confirmation)high ozone communities (needs confirmation)

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Ozone StandardsOzone Standards

California Ozone Standards:California Ozone Standards: 0.09 ppm for 1 hour0.09 ppm for 1 hour 0.070 ppm for 8 hours0.070 ppm for 8 hours Based on: Based on:

– Decreased lung functionDecreased lung function– Cough and chest painCough and chest pain– Aggravated breathing problemsAggravated breathing problems

National Ozone Standard:National Ozone Standard: 0.075 ppm for 8 hours0.075 ppm for 8 hours

National 8-Hr ONational 8-Hr O33 Standard Exceedances Standard Exceedances

Nonattainment Areas:Nonattainment Areas:0.075 and 0.070 ppm Standards0.075 and 0.070 ppm Standards

0

50

100

150

200

250

1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

Da

ys

ab

ov

e S

tate

8-h

r O

zon

e S

td.

Days of Unhealthy Ozone Levels

San Diego

Bay Area

South Coast

San Joaquin Valley

Sacramento

Current compared to attainment (annually):• 630 (310 - 950) premature deaths• 4,200 (2400 - 5800) hospitalizations for respiratory diseases• 660 (400 - 920) emergency room visits for asthma for

children under 18 years of age• 3.7 million (470,000 - 6.8 million) school absences among

children 5 to 17 years of age• 3.1 (1.3 - 5.0 million) million minor restricted activity days for

adults above 18 years of age

Health Impacts of Ozone Exposure

SummarySummary

Ozone exposure can induce adverse Ozone exposure can induce adverse health effectshealth effects Non-fatal impactsNon-fatal impacts Premature deathPremature death

Children have same effects as adultsChildren have same effects as adultsGreatest risk of experiencing adverse Greatest risk of experiencing adverse effects for people who are active outdoorseffects for people who are active outdoorsOzone exposure is decreasing, but still Ozone exposure is decreasing, but still high in Californiahigh in California