A report revealed that approximately 300 million Europeans, including 100 million children and elderly people, were exposed to harmful ozone concentrations between June 21st and 28th. This data was compiled from measurements taken at 162 air quality monitoring stations spread across the European Union.
Impact of Air Pollution
Ozone contamination, intensified by rising temperatures, was characterized as an 'invisible threat' by Flossie Boyd, a representative of Global Witness, who shared the study with the agency France-Presse. This type of pollution is linked to various diseases, ranging from asthma to lung tissue damage. Boyd emphasized that people are forced to live in dangerous circumstances due to dependence on fossil fuels.
Ozone and Heatwaves
The report focuses on ozone pollution as an additional factor to assess the health effects caused by the June heatwave, which was recorded as the hottest month in Western Europe. The impacts of high temperatures are not limited to immediate cases such as heatstroke and dehydration; they can manifest indirectly, resulting in health problems and deaths detected only after several days.
Health Data and Emissions
According to estimates from the European Environment Agency, ozone air pollution was associated with 63,000 deaths in 2023, in addition to causing millions in losses to farmers. Although human activities do not directly release ozone, it is formed by chemical reactions in the air under conditions of high temperature and strong solar exposure, typical of heatwaves. Despite the reduction in nitrogen dioxide emissions in recent years, Global Witness criticizes the European executive for showing little willingness to reduce methane emissions, another vital component.
Exposure Levels and Limits
The environmental NGO points out that 298 million Europeans were exposed to ozone levels above the limit recommended by the EU, which is 120 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) over an eight-hour period. However, when applying the stricter standards of the World Health Organization (WHO), set at 100 µg/m³, the proportion of affected people increases to about seven in eight inhabitants. Furthermore, 72 million people, or approximately one in six, inhaled polluted air with more than 150 µg/m³, a level classified as 'particularly dangerous.'
Local Cases and Methodology
The Commission for Coordination and Regional Development of Lisbon and Tagus Valley identified harmful ozone levels in Olivais (Lisbon) and Alverca (Vila Franca de Xira) during the weekend, with concentrations reaching 180 µg/m³. In Alverca, peaks reached 205 micrograms per cubic meter between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Saturday. Global Witness's methodology includes Copernicus modeling, the EU's climate observatory, which does not directly measure ozone, introducing a margin of uncertainty. However, some researchers, such as British climatologist James Weber, found the report consistent with their own observations.
Scientific Perspectives
James Weber analyzed ozone pollution data in the United Kingdom during the last heatwave and verified that levels exceeded WHO limits in more than half of the measurement points. Weber stressed that ozone represents an additional problem at a time when health is already affected by humidity and temperatures, highlighting the role of climate change. He advised that ozone pollution is another reason to avoid going out during the hottest periods, especially for exercising.
