Ozone warning for sunny Sweden
With temperatures in the twenties centigrade and warm southerly winds, many Swedes have been out making the most of the sudden improvement in the weather. But scientists are warning that ground-level ozone partly caused by the warmth could have negative consequences for public health.
A weather station in Sörmland, south of Stockholm, recorded levels of ground-level ozone over the level at which Swedish authorities are obliged to warn the public. High levels were also noted in Småland and Östergötland.
Ground-level ozone can be dangerous for people with asthma or heart or lung illnesses.
"I haven't seen such high levels over the past five years," said Professor Yngve Brodin at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket).
"What happens is that southerly winds come from central Europe with high levels of emissions, and these combine with Swedish emissions, and together with a lot of sun they create ozone," he said.
The highest levels of ozone tend to be recorded outside urban areas, with the problem worse on hills than in low-lying areas.
Comments
See Also
A weather station in Sörmland, south of Stockholm, recorded levels of ground-level ozone over the level at which Swedish authorities are obliged to warn the public. High levels were also noted in Småland and Östergötland.
Ground-level ozone can be dangerous for people with asthma or heart or lung illnesses.
"I haven't seen such high levels over the past five years," said Professor Yngve Brodin at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket).
"What happens is that southerly winds come from central Europe with high levels of emissions, and these combine with Swedish emissions, and together with a lot of sun they create ozone," he said.
The highest levels of ozone tend to be recorded outside urban areas, with the problem worse on hills than in low-lying areas.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.