Ozone pollution spikes across Europe, reaching Scandinavia amid heatwaves
Ozone levels that threaten health have risen across Europe, with recent heatwaves pushing concentrations as far north as Scandinavia.
Ground-level ozone, a pollutant harmful to respiratory and heart systems, is increasing throughout Europe, according to atmospheric monitoring officials. Laurence Rouïl of the Copernicus atmospheric monitoring service explained that recent heatwaves have lifted ozone concentrations across much of the continent, even reaching traditionally cleaner areas such as Scandinavia. Although Europe has reduced nitrogen oxide emissions over time, the pollutant’s ability to travel long distances and the influence of wildfires hinder further declines.
The situation is most severe in the Middle East, India, China and parts of Southeast Asia, where ozone exposure remains extreme. In Europe, regions like the French Riviera, northern Italy and the Adriatic coast have already recorded many days above EU targets this year. Meanwhile, other pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) continue to pose health risks, with sources including industrial activity, traffic and small-scale wood or coal burning, according to Ian Marnane of the European Environment Agency.
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