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BreatheEasyWaco.org
Your Regional Partner in Air Quality |
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| | What is Ozone? |
Ozone is a pollutant formed when two classes of chemicals, Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), are exposed to sunlight. This reaction creates several compounds of which the most hazardous to human health is ozone. Ozone is the primary component of smog and is regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency. |
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| | What are the Sources of NOx and VOC’s? |
NOx is produced almost entirely as a by-product of high-temperature combustion.
Common sources of NOx include:
- automobiles, trucks, and marine vessels
- gasoline powered lawn equipment
- construction equipment
- power generation
- industrial processes
- natural gas furnaces
VOCs include many organic chemicals that vaporize easily, such as those found in gasoline and solvents. They are emitted from many sources, including:
- gasoline stations
- motor vehicles, airplanes, trains, boats
- petroleum storage tanks
- oil refineries
- biogenic, or natural emissions from trees and plants
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