How to Prevent Ground-Level Ozone Gas

Ozone air pollution is harmful to the environment. It is a reactive gas that, when located on the ground ("ground-level ozone"), pollutes the air. Ground-level ozone is created when volatile organic compounds react with nitrogen oxides. The reactions depend on the amount of heat and sunlight. Nitrogen oxides are emitted by cars, gardening tools, gas pumps, oil-based paint and some trees.

Instructions

• 1

  Carpool to work. Car exhaust is a major source of ozone pollution. If you must drive to work, reduce the number of vehicles on the road by driving with other people in the same car.

• 2

  Turn off a car's engine if idling for more than 30 seconds. Even the most well-maintained vehicle will pollute more than necessary if the engine continues to run, particularly during idling. Instead of using a drive-through window, park the car, turn off the engine and go inside of the restaurant to order.

• 3

  Use water-based paints, such as latex paint on your projects. Use those paints labeled "Low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)". Oil-based paints contain solvents that evaporate and add to air pollution. Water-based, latex paints reduces these polluting emissions.

• 4

  Prevent gasoline spills when you are refilling lawn equipment such as lawn mower, tractor, chain saw, trimmer, tillers and wood splitters. Use a gas container that is easy to handle. Pour gas slowly and smoothly. Do not overfill the gas tank. Refuel at night when it's cooler out. Millions of gallons of fuel are spilled during refillings across the United States, contributing to air pollution. They evaporate and add to summer ozone problems.