Ozone is not a direct pollutant, but rather a secondary pollutant formed through photochemical reactions. It is related to PM2.5 to some extent. In order to completely solve ozone pollution, long-term comprehensive management is needed. After ozone pollution occurs, we can take some precautions and measures to protect ourselves and minimize the harm of ozone pollution to our health.
Ozone Pollution Standards in China
Before discussing how to protect against ozone pollution, let's first understand the standards implemented in China for ozone pollution.
1. When the 8-hour concentration of ozone exceeds 160 micrograms per cubic meter, children, the elderly, and individuals with heart and respiratory diseases should reduce long-duration and high-intensity outdoor exercises.
2. When the 8-hour concentration of ozone exceeds 215 micrograms per cubic meter, children, the elderly, and individuals with heart and respiratory diseases should avoid outdoor activities.
3. When the concentration reaches 265 micrograms per cubic meter, sensitive individuals should stay indoors, while the general population should reduce outdoor activities. If it exceeds 800 micrograms per cubic meter, everyone should avoid outdoor activities.
How to Protect Against Ozone Pollution
Avoid going outdoors during peak ozone pollution periods
Summer is the peak season for ozone pollution, but it will alleviate starting from September. Unlike PM2.5, wearing masks does not provide protection against ozone pollution. The most effective way to protect against it is to avoid outdoor activities during the most severe pollution period, typically from 2 to 3 PM.
Close windows during ozone pollution
Indoor environments lack the sunlight needed for ozone generation, so ozone cannot be continuously produced. On the other hand, indoors, ozone can react with organic compounds containing unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds, including rubber, styrene, unsaturated fatty acids, and their lipids. These organic compounds are commonly found in indoor building materials (such as latex coatings) and household items (such as cork utensils and carpets). Therefore, when ozone pollution is severe, closing windows prevents outside ozone from entering and allows indoor ozone to quickly decompose.
Control the emissions of nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
NO2 and VOCs are direct raw materials for ozone generation. It is important to control the emissions of these pollutants on a daily basis, such as reducing the use of motor vehicles and minimizing outdoor barbecues in the summer. Energy conservation and emission reduction measures can effectively prevent and control ozone pollution.
Friendly Tips
The current control of ozone pollution in China mainly focuses on addressing PM2.5, which does not solve the problem of ozone pollution at its source. To address ozone pollution more effectively, targeted emission reduction measures should be formulated based on the characteristics of ozone pollution.
