Increased ozone levels endanger your health

Increased ozone levels: When smoging, children should not play outdoors.

(07.07.2010) It's summer and experience shows that ozone levels are also rising. The Verband der Kinder- und Jugendärzte in Cologne therefore advises children not to be allowed to play outside at elevated ozone levels. Increased levels can cause irritation of the eyes, severe cough, shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat. Because the irritant gas ozone attacks the mucous membranes of children.

When ozone levels are exceeded, children should not romp around outdoors. The irritant gas ozone attacks the mucous membranes. Children who already suffer from allergies are particularly at risk. The doctors of the professional association of pediatricians therefore advises children to be allowed to play in cool rooms between 11:00 and 22:00. Swimming pool visits should also be kept short at elevated levels. Increased ozone levels are particularly noticeable in larger cities with high traffic volumes.

Currently there is a warning and alarm threshold. The warning threshold is 180 µg / m3 and the alarm threshold is 240 µg / m3. In Berlin, for example, the average values ​​are 120 µg / m3 exceeded by at least 20 micrograms. Currently, the following health protection rating applies: a maximum 8 hour value of 120 µg / m3 must not be exceeded for more than 25 days per calendar year.

High levels of particulate matter, which are regularly measured in cities, also lead to an increase in blood pressure. If the particulate matter in the cities increases by 2.4 micrograms per cubic meter of air, the blood pressure also increases by one pressure. High blood pressure can also cause severe cardiovascular disease. (Sb)