The study, by the National Research Council, adds that the evidence is strong enough that the US Environmental Protection Agency should
include ozone-related mortality in health-benefit analyses related to future ozone standards.
Ozone can cause respiratory problems and other health effects. Deaths related to ozone exposure are more likely among people with
pre-existing diseases, the researchers said, but added that the premature deaths are not limited to people who are already within a
few days of dying.
Ozone is a form of oxygen formed by the reaction of sunlight on air containing other pollutants such as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide.
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