Haryana

• 18 May 2024

Ozone Levels Breached Safe Limit

Why in News?

According to the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), the ground-level ozone level has exceeded safe limits in certain areas of the city over the past 15 days.

Key Points

• Data from air monitoring stations in Manesar, Sector 51, and Gwalpahari indicate multiple instances of surpassing the 100 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) eight-hour ozone limit.
• Experts have characterized the situation as concerning, noting that the existence of ground-level ozone indicates increased levels of other pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulphur oxide (Sox).
• These pollutants interact with sunlight to produce ozone, with this phenomenon predominantly happening during the day in locations experiencing traffic congestion or where multiple industries are active.
• Tropospheric ozone exposure poses health risks and can worsen conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Officials from HSPCB stated that they have instructed local authorities to take steps to reduce road dust and burning of garbage.

Ozone

• Ozone (composed of three atoms of oxygen) is a gas that occurs both in the Earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level.
• Ozone can be “good” or “bad” for people’s health and the environment, depending on its location in the atmosphere.