by InTrieste
Officials of Trieste have issued an alert regarding rising ozone levels in the atmosphere, expected to exceed the safety threshold over the weekend. According to forecasts from ARPA-FVG, the regional environmental protection agency, concentrations of ozone (O3) will surpass the attention threshold of 120 micrograms per cubic meter, beginning on Saturday, August 24, and continuing through Sunday, August 25.
The city has taken steps to inform the public, particularly vulnerable populations, to be cautious during this period of elevated pollution. This announcement comes under the guidelines of Trieste’s Municipal Action Plan, first implemented in 2013, which aims to mitigate the harmful effects of high ozone levels in the atmosphere, especially during the hot summer months when such episodes are more common.
Ozone, a key component of smog, is formed when pollutants from cars, power plants, and other sources react in sunlight. High concentrations of ozone in the air can lead to a variety of health issues, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Authorities are urging citizens to limit outdoor activities during the peak hours of exposure, typically in the late afternoon when ozone levels tend to spike. In a note issued by the local health authority, citizens are advised to remain indoors during the hottest parts of the day, keep windows closed, and reduce strenuous activities that can increase exposure to this air pollutant.
While Trieste typically enjoys relatively clean air, summer ozone surges have been a recurring issue for the city. These episodes, exacerbated by heat waves, can create conditions that pose risks to public health. In the past, the city has implemented measures such as traffic restrictions and public advisories to reduce the impact of elevated ozone levels.
The forecasted surge in ozone comes as Europe experiences a particularly warm summer, raising concerns across the continent about the impacts of air pollution on health and the environment. Trieste’s municipal government has reiterated its commitment to public health and safety by urging all residents to follow the recommended precautions and remain alert to further updates as the situation evolves.
Precautionary Measures
The local government has outlined a number of precautionary measures to help residents protect themselves from the effects of high ozone levels:
- Avoid outdoor activities, especially strenuous exercise, during peak pollution times (typically between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.).
- Close windows during the afternoon hours to prevent ozone from entering homes.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, as high ozone levels combined with heat can cause dehydration.
- Pay special attention to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, as they are particularly vulnerable to ozone pollution.
Health authorities stress that these measures are temporary but necessary to safeguard public health during periods of elevated ozone levels. The city will continue to monitor air quality closely and issue further updates if the situation persists beyond the weekend.
As Europe grapples with the effects of climate change, episodes of high ozone are expected to increase in frequency and intensity, posing a growing challenge for urban centers like Trieste. Local officials are reminding residents that collective awareness and precaution are crucial tools in minimizing the health impacts of air pollution.
