Gwangju Health and Environment Research Institute to Operate 'Ozone Alert System' from the 15th

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] The Gwangju Metropolitan City Health and Environment Research Institute announced on the 12th that it will operate an ozone warning system from the 15th of this month to October 15th to reduce health damage to citizens caused by ozone concentration increases.

The ozone warning system issues an "Advisory" when the ozone concentration in the atmosphere is 0.12 ppm or higher, a "Warning" at 0.3 ppm or higher, and a "Severe Warning" at 0.5 ppm or higher.

When an advisory or warning is issued, about 2,600 organizations including media outlets and schools, as well as subscribers to the text message service, are promptly notified via fax and text message. The text message service can be applied for free through the Gwangju city website or by phone.

Ozone is a pollutant with strong irritant and oxidizing properties, generated when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds emitted from vehicle exhaust and industrial sites react with sunlight.

Exposure to high concentrations of ozone irritates sensory organs such as the eyes and nose and causes respiratory diseases; therefore, children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses are advised to refrain from outdoor activities and stay indoors.

Baek Seok-jin, head of the Environmental Research Department, said, "Unlike fine dust, ozone cannot be blocked by masks, so when an ozone advisory is issued, please be especially careful by refraining from going out and outdoor activities."

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