Effects of Poor Air Quality

Health Impacts

Ground-Level ozone is harmful to health, especially for children, the elderly, outdoor workers and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma. Particle pollution affects these people as well as those with heart disease. The primary target is the respiratory system, but it also targets the heart and the immune system. Ozone is a reactive and irritating chemical. When inhaled, it can irritate and inflame the airways that carry air from the mouth and nose to the lungs. Even at low levels, emissions from cars contribute to high levels of ozone in Greater Birmingham on Air Quality Alert Days.

Economic Impacts

In the 1990’s, failure to clean up the ozone problem had a major impact on economic growth in Jefferson and Shelby counties, costing the region 15 major manufacturing facilities, 11,000 jobs and nearly $5 billion worth of investment.