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Sedgwick County Environmental Resources... working for you.

Sedgwick County...working for you
Environmental Resources

2625 S. Tyler  ▪  Wichita, KS 67215  ▪  Tel: (316) 660-7200  ▪   Fax: (316) 721-9366
www.sedgwickcounty.org/environment

Ozone in Sedgwick County

Ozone

Ozone is a chemical compound composed of three oxygen atoms. Ozone occurs naturally in the upper atmosphere approximately 10 to 30 miles above the earth’s surface. This ozone is beneficial since it protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Ozone that forms at ground-level is bad.

Ground-level ozone is a man-made pollutant that forms when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mix with nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of heat and sunlight. More than half of these ozone-forming pollutants are caused by everyday actions, such as driving, painting, refueling and using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

Harmful Effects

Prolonged exposure to ground-level ozone can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and lungs leading to inflammation, chest pains, and difficulty breathing.  Ground-level ozone damages vegetation and reduces crop production.  In Sedgwick County, the highest levels of ozone typically occur from April to September. 

What can be done to decrease ground-level ozone?

Want more information?

Watch a short video about ozone and the small changes you can make to help reduce it.

View a printable flier about ozone in Sedgwick County.

View Kansas Department of Health and Environmental air quality data for Sedgwick County.


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