by InTrieste
The city of Trieste is grappling with unusually high levels of atmospheric ozone, which are expected to persist through Sunday, August 18, according to municipal authorities. The alert comes as part of ongoing efforts to mitigate the health risks associated with elevated ozone concentrations.
The warning was issued on Friday, August 16, following predictions from the Regional Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA-FVG) and other monitoring bodies. Current ozone levels have surpassed the “attention threshold” of 120 micrograms per cubic meter, a benchmark set to protect public health.
Municipal authorities have activated a section of the city’s 2013 Action Plan, a regulatory framework designed to respond to air quality emergencies. The plan, approved in February 2013, outlines specific measures to be taken when pollutants like ozone exceed safe limits.
Citizens, particularly those most vulnerable to air pollution, such as the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory conditions, are urged to take precautions. These include limiting outdoor activities during peak ozone hours and staying informed through official channels.
“High ozone levels pose a significant health risk, especially during prolonged exposure,” warned a statement from the city’s health authority, Azienda Sanitaria n. 1 Triestina. The notice, originally issued in 2013 and reaffirmed in the recent alert, outlines steps to minimize exposure and safeguard public health.
The current situation is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by air pollution, particularly during the warmer months when ozone levels tend to rise. Trieste, like many European cities, is facing increased scrutiny over its air quality management and the effectiveness of its response strategies.
