A new study in British Medical Journal found that every for every increase in daily (8 hr) ozone of 10µg/m3, there were increased deaths. The study was conducted in 406 cities around the world. It found increased risk of death at levels below the European standard of 120µg/m3, which is stricter than the U.S. standard of 0.070ppm (140µg/m3).
Ozone forms in the presence of precursors from burning fuel (vehicles, power plants), heat, and sunlight. With rising temperatures from climate change, more ozone will form.
This is clear evidence that we need 1) stronger ozone standards 2) clean energy, and 3) clean transportation. This will take action at the federal level for ozone and vehicle efficiency standards, state level for requiring utilities to produce more clean energy (Public Service Commissions), and multi-level to promote electric infrastructure and electric vehicles. If you are in the market for a new car, please look at all the electric vehicles on the market, there are several good ones that are <$30,000.
