When The DNR Says Ozone Is Polluting The Air...
Think smog. This is what it looks like, the agency says, and I count six such advisories during July that included Milwaukee County:
Ozone
Smog over the city of Milwaukee.
Ozone is a gas that occurs in both Earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level. When ozone is at ground level, it is a major component of smog and can cause a number of health problems for humans and other living things. Because of this serious health risk, the DNR monitors ground-level ozone around the state and issues air quality advisories when levels become potentially harmful. Counties that do not meet federal clean air standards for ozone require businesses and residents in those areas to take special measures to reduce ground-level ozone.
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We've also known that ozone at ground level is very damaging to plants, including critical crops like corn, soybeans, and others. Levels of ozone below those that occur during alerts cause significant damage to photosynthesis, transporation, and stomatal function. Reductions in yields of corn and other crops are seen after exposure to even low levels of ozone.
So, even if one doesn't care about the effects of ozone on humans, they may be concerned about effects on Wisconsin's croplands already damaged by drought and pests. Ozone damage is the last thing these crops need this summer.
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