It may seem that mountains are healthier than other areas. But studies indicate that increasing levels of ozone can also affect atmosphere in peaks and heights.
Environmental experts assessed 'Front' and 'Colorado' mountains atmosphere as study samples of pollution. The goal was comparison of ozone concentrations between gas emission sources and mountains, IRNA reported.
Ozone gas is a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms, while the oxygen required for human respiration is composed of two oxygen atoms. Ground-level ozone is considered a pollutant that can cause respiratory problems and rust and corrosion on vehicles and buildings.
The pollution is created when volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (Nox) are released from vehicle motors or factory chimneys. These gases combine with oxygen in the air to produce ground-level ozone.
Airflow and temperature inversion together transfer ozone pollution from lower parts of the ground to mountains heights.
Gabrielle Pfister, expert at National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in the US, said ozone pollution across the Rocky Mountains is visible. "People think they are going to the mountains to breathe clean air, which is really not true", he added.
