Children are

especially susceptible to the effects of smog. They spend significantly

more time outdoors, especially in the summertime, when ozone levels are

the highest. In addition to spending more time outdoors playing, children

have a higher breathing rate than adults do relative to their body weight

and lung surface area. As a result,children get a greater dose of pollution.

In order to

be protected from the damaging effects of ozone, parents and their children

should reduce the time they spend on activity that requires heavy exertion

or substitute another activity that requires more moderate exertion (such

as going for a walk rather than a jog). In addition, they can plan outdoor

activities when ozone levels are lower, usually in the morning or evening.

Fitness levels

vary between individuals and children, but cutting back on the level or

duration of exertion when ozone levels are high will help protect parents

and their children from ozone's harmful effects.

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