Spain faces high levels of ground-level ozone pollution

Spain has recorded some of the highest concentrations of ground-level, or tropospheric, ozone in Europe. Unlike the protective ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, ground-level ozone acts as a harmful pollutant and a greenhouse gas. It can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream, posing significant risks to human health, particularly for individuals with asthma.

According to data from the European Commission’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), approximately 50% of the European population was exposed to bad, very bad, or extremely bad ozone levels during the record heatwaves between June and August. This pollutant is formed through chemical reactions triggered by sunlight and high temperatures, conditions frequently exacerbated by heatwaves and forest fires.

To date, only Spain, France, and Croatia have developed or implemented air quality plans specifically focused on ozone levels.