Health Ozone levels continue to rise

In Germany, the warning thresholds for hazardous ozone levels are skipped.

(10.07.2010) Summer record temperatures are forecasted again for today. At the same time, the ozone level in the air is also increasing. Doctors advise children not to be played in the hot midday sun. Even older and sensitive people are particularly at risk.

On the website of the State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection, citizens can observe closely how the ozone levels continuously increase during the day. For example, at 8 o'clock in the morning, a concentration of 102 micrograms of ozone per cubic meter of air was measured. At 12 o'clock it was already 157 micrograms of ozone and only two hours later the warning threshold of over 180 micrograms per cubic meter of air was reached. From this point on, you may experience symptoms such as headache, difficulty breathing, mucous membranes and irritable cough. Over 20 percent of people in Germany show the symptoms described with these values. Particularly vulnerable are especially babies and toddlers, as their high volume of breath more of the dangerous ozone is absorbed. Older people are also increasingly affected, as the high ozone levels can burden the circulation and the mucous membranes.

Values ​​over 220 can cause more serious symptoms. Ozone not only irritates the mucous membranes, but primarily attacks the respiratory tract, eyes and lung tissue; When inhaled, ozone penetrates deep into the lungs. Higher concentrations of ozone, in addition to changes in pulmonary function parameters, cause subjective mood disorders such as tears in the eyes, headaches, lack of concentration and respiratory irritation, which are associated with a decrease in physical capacity as concentrations continue to rise.

Doctors advise not only because of the high ozone levels to relocate physically strenuous activities such as jogging, gardening or running longer in the evening or morning. If possible, children should not play outside in the hot midday sun. There are also dangers such as dehydration or acute sunburn. So advises Dr. Martin le Claire: "Not only because of the ozone levels, but also because of the heat, I currently advise not to work hard in the open air and not move much outside." Citizens can find out about the regional values ​​on the websites of their Environmental Land Authorities.

At ozone levels above 180 micrograms per cubic meter of air, vulnerable and sensitive people are recommended to abstain from strenuous outdoor activities; Endurance sports such as jogging should also be avoided or relocated to the morning hours. For ozone levels above 240 micrograms per cubic meter of air, this recommendation is addressed to all citizens. Then all people, whether sensitive or not, could be affected by health problems. (Sb)

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