![]() Ozone has the same chemical structure and properties whether it occurs miles above the earth or at ground level however, ozone has both good and bad effects depending on its location in the atmosphere. Ozone occurs naturally in the stratosphere approximately 10 to 30 miles above the earth's surface and forms a layer that protects life on earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation (good effect). In the upper atmosphere (stratosphere), oxygen atoms are created as a result of the breakdown of the oxygen molecule (O 2) by ultraviolet radiation. ![]() Since there is abundant O 2 in the atmosphere, the key to ozone formation is the availability of free oxygen atoms. At ground level, these oxygen atoms are primarily created from the breakup of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) by solar radiation. The amount of NO 2 available is regulated by a complex chemistry involving volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other oxides of nitrogen (NO x) in the presence of heat and sunlight. Ozone is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It is formed in a chemical reaction between the diatomic oxygen molecule (O 2) and an oxygen atom (O). To see recent Nitrogen Dioxide concentration data for Florida, view the 2020 Nitrogen Dioxide Design Value Map.As a result, we expect no violations of the ambient air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide in the future either. The 1990 federal Clean Air Act Amendments require further reductions of NO x emissions because of their relationship to acid rain and ozone formation. Monitors in Florida have never measured a violation of the ambient standard for NO 2. Nitrogen dioxide can place a strain on the heart and respiratory system and can increase a person's susceptibility to respiratory infections. Nitrogen dioxide, which is a primary component of nitrogen oxides (NO x), is produced when fuel is burned in motor vehicles, power plants, industrial boilers, and other sources. To view recent Lead concentration data for Florida, you can refer to the 2020 Lead Design Value Map.Except for locations very near a small number of stationary sources that emit significant amounts of lead - such as secondary lead smelters - lead concentrations in Florida's air are nearly zero. With the phase-out of leaded gasoline, exposure to this pollutant by inhalation has become far less likely.Īmbient air concentrations of lead in Florida reflect the decrease in auto emissions. Over the last 10 years, the lead content of fuels has been reduced, and, today, almost all fuels are lead-free. The young and the elderly are most susceptible to the harmful effects of lead. Lead can affect the central nervous system and lead to anemia. To view recent Carbon Monoxide concentration data for Florida, you can refer to the 2020 Carbon Monoxide Design Value Map.įor many years, lead was primarily emitted to the atmosphere from motor vehicles that burned leaded gasoline.Urban areas that use to suffer occasional high levels of carbon monoxide are no longer violating the air quality standard.Īs the result of vehicle emissions controls and local measures to reduce traffic congestion, Florida has not recorded a violation of the carbon monoxide standard since 1986. Long-term monitoring in Florida shows a significant decrease in carbon monoxide concentrations. For more information on air pollutants in Florida, view Air Quality Trends Frequently Asked Questions.Ĭarbon monoxide is produced primarily by motor vehicles. It can reduce a person's ability to think clearly and causes visual impairment and headaches if high enough concentrations are experienced for a long period of time.To look at ozone and particulate matter in greater depth, view Florida’s Ozone and Particulate Matter Trends.These pollutants are referred to as "criteria pollutants," and National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has been established for each based on health-related criteria and data. ![]() Six major air pollutants (carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate matter and sulfur dioxide) have been identified as causing health effects at concentrations in the ambient air (the outside air we breathe) above thresholds established at levels known to be safe. A number of air pollutants can cause damage to health.
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