The presence of ozone is to a large extent due to the emissions of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides over large areas. During periodic peak concentrations of ozone in the range of 0.1-0.2 ppm in the polluted air of big cities, people may suffer reactions such as eye discomfort, headache, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and cough. Bronchoconstriction, with an increased airway resis tance resulting in reductions in lung function parameters, arises at concentra tions of ozone > 0.2 ppm. Asthmatics seem to be more sensitive than healthy individuals, but long-term effects in humans are to a large extent unknown since they are very difficult to evaluate.
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