SUMMER SMOG

Ground-level ozone is one of the national capital's least appreciated public health threat

- SK Chhabra

OZONE IS a highly reactive gas that damages the lining of the airways. Studies have consistently shown that even short-term exposure can trigger coughing, throat irritation, chest tightness, wheezing, breathlessness and pain during deep breathing. By inflaming the airways, increasing their permeability and impairing the lungs' natural clearing mechanisms, ozone can cause symptoms even in people with no pre-existing respiratory disease. One of ozone's most well-established effects is its impact on lung function.