Nowon-gu Implements 'Ozone Alert System' to Prepare for High Concentration Ozone in Summer

Implementation of Ozone Alert System Until October 15, Ozone Advisory Issued via SMS... Ozone Alert Situation Room Operates from May to September When Ozone Levels Rise

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Nowon-gu (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) will operate an ozone warning system until October 15 to prepare for ozone, a representative summer air pollutant as harmful as fine dust.

Ozone, which is invisible to the eye, is generated when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds emitted from car exhaust and industrial sites react with sunlight.

Repeated exposure to ozone damages sensory organs such as the respiratory system, skin, eyes, and nose, adversely affecting health by causing bronchitis, heart disease, emphysema, and worsening asthma.

The number of ozone advisories issued in Nowon-gu was in single digits until 2016, but it has recorded double digits for three consecutive years recently, with a total of 11 advisories issued last year.

The ozone warning is issued based on ozone concentration: a 'caution advisory' is issued if it exceeds 0.12 ppm, a 'warning' if it exceeds 0.3 ppm, and a 'severe warning' if it exceeds 0.5 ppm; the warning is lifted when the concentration falls below each standard.

When the Seoul Metropolitan Air Environment Information Center issues an ozone warning, the district promptly disseminates the situation to 1,037 locations including schools, apartment complexes, and vulnerable facilities, as well as about 3,000 residents who have pre-registered to receive text messages, guiding them to refrain from outdoor activities and vehicle operation.

In addition, it recommends adjusting the operating rates of air pollutant-emitting businesses and conducts facility inspections.

The district encourages households with vulnerable members to ozone exposure, such as the elderly, respiratory patients, and children, to apply for the ozone warning text message service.

Applications can be made by accessing the Seoul Air Quality Information website (http://cleanair,seoul.go.kr) or by calling the Nowon-gu Office Green Environment Division at (2116-3207).

Furthermore, from May 1 to September 30, when ozone concentrations rise, the ozone warning situation room will be specially operated daily, including weekends and holidays, to monitor ozone levels.

District Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, “When an ozone advisory is issued, we ask the elderly and children to refrain from outdoor activities and participate in reducing ozone-causing emissions by using public transportation. We will strive to protect the health of residents through prompt ozone warning issuance.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.