16 June 2006 - Summer ozone
levels continue to exceed EU safe levels, threatening
health across Europe, according to a report released
today by the EEA. Although not as high as in the
record year 2003, ozone levels in the summer of
2005 went beyond levels considered safe by the
EU Ozone Directive.
The report, 'Air pollution by
ozone in Europe in summer 2005' says that Southern
Europe was worst hit. Portugal experienced the
highest one-hour ozone concentration, and dangerous
levels were also recorded in Greece, Italy, France,
Romania and Spain. However, the number of times
the ozone level went into the red in the summer
of 2005 was significantly lower than in the years
between 1999 and 2003.
The report also says that parts
of northern and central Europe did not escape
scot-free either. Unsafe levels of ozone were
recorded in Belgium, the Netherlands and western
Germany. As in previous years, the lowest ozone
levels were recorded in the Baltic States and
Scandinavia.
This summer, the EEA will be
launching 'Ozoneweb' on its webpage. Ozone web
will allow Europeans to get up-to-date news on
ozone levels and air quality in their neighbourhood.
Levels will be up-dated on an hourly basis, and
background information about ozone and its health
impact will also be provided.
