An area of increased warmth, causing a pink color on a scale bar , in the Pacific Ocean known as the blob has been a concern since it was spotted in 2013. It’s causing increased levels of ozone in the western US. This is a concern as it decreases environmental oxygen causing people to experience shortness of breath and could cause lung damage. Ozone which has been observed in increasing levels in the western US contributes to smog pollution. With the increased temperature in the water, more ozone is being produced when combined with low cloud cover and calmer air. Washington, Oregon, western Utah and Northern California are the areas most affected with ozone levels measured above federal limits in Salt Lake City and Sacramento. Levels in these cities measured high before to the effects of the conditions created by the blob have been felt more acutely.

Key Takeaways:

• A huge area of warm water in the ocean is resulting in increased levels of ozone which can cause permanent lung damage, scientists have found.
• this week a study has revealed that the warming of the water is leading to a rise in ozone in western US.
• In the study, conducted by the University of Washington Bothell, it was found that the blob increased ozone levels in Washington, Oregon, western Utah and northern California.

“A huge area of warm water in the ocean is resulting in increased levels of ozone which can cause permanent lung damage, scientists have found.”

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/fears-over-giant-pink-blob-9849949