Europe: 50 percent of population exposed to dangerous ground-level ozone

Ground-level ozone levels posed a significant health threat to Europe during the summer heatwaves. Data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) indicates that between June and August, approximately 50 percent of the European population was exposed to ozone levels classified as poor, very poor, or extremely poor.

Unlike the protective ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, ground-level ozone is a harmful pollutant formed by chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight and heat. This gas can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting various organs.

Symptoms of exposure include coughing, throat irritation, chest pain, headaches, and nausea, with heightened risks for individuals with asthma. The issue is exacerbated by industrial activity, traffic, and wildfires, creating a cycle where climate change-induced heatwaves increase ozone production, while ozone itself acts as a greenhouse gas.