What is ozone and how it affects people's health

Air pollution has been a constant problem for a long time, the factors influencing this problem are multiple and all are related to the increase in human and industrial activities.

The Secretariat of the Environment of Mexico City (SEDEMA) explains that increases in weather conditions also contribute to emissions in the environment being converted to ozone more easily, causing ozone to accumulate and harm society.

But what is ozone and how does it affect people's health? The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate states that ozone is one of the chemical forms in which oxygen is found in nature. It is a molecule that becomes unstable when it is found in high concentrations, for this reason, it is capable of affecting daily activities and the state of the population.

This chemical component is naturally found in the atmosphere, however, difficulties begin when it is mixed with other pollution-related agents and this molecule begins to act more aggressively with the human body.

Among the various effects it causes on health are cardiovascular problems and the formation of free radicals, these elements cause several effects on the body, among which are: cellular aging and the loss of natural collagen production and elastin.

On the other hand, the Department of Atmospheric Monitoring states that the respiratory system also faces risks, since when it is “exposed to ozone, damage occurs in it. The extent will depend on ozone concentration, duration of exposure, exposure patterns and ventilation.”

This phenomenon causes a series of conditions in the respiratory system that increase susceptibility to respiratory infections and therefore, the body is more likely to be impaired in its internal functioning.

Obstacles can increase in asthmatic people, this is known because when ozone concentrations have been increasing, there has been an increase in the incidence of asthmatic attacks. The reason is that “ozone reduces lung function and makes deep and vigorous breathing more difficult.”

That is why when the rates of this molecule are very high, the authorities advise against doing outdoor activities, as they can be seriously harmful, even in healthy people. Other types of chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis can also worsen, and there is the possibility that “the immune system's ability to defend itself against bacterial infections will be reduced.”

For this reason, the Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAMe) explained that due to poor air conditions, the atmospheric environmental contingency caused by ozone in the Area was activated Metropolitan of the Valley of Mexico.

The information was released through a statement that the government agency released on March 29, 2022. The document specified that the main objective of the measure is to “reduce the public's exposure to polluted air and the risk of affecting their health; as well as to reduce the generation of pollutants and the likelihood of reaching high ozone concentrations again tomorrow”.

In addition, CAMe published on its Twitter account that in the spring season, due to the increase in heat and solar radiation, pollutants in the air combine and cause deterioration in the environment.

He also noted: “In #TemporadaDeOzono there is little wind and high temperatures, which favors the formation and accumulation of ozone. Follow these recommendations to improve the air in your city. #CuidaTuSalud”

It is mentioned that one of the ways to contribute to the improvement of the air is to try not to leave the house, use a bicycle and avoid the use of paints and solvents, mainly indoors.

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