Ulsan Institute of Health and Environment Expands Ozone Alert System... Starts 15 Days Earlier This Year, Implemented for 7 Months

Every year from April 1 to October 31

Extended by one month starting this year

Starting this year, the ozone alert system will be expanded.

The Ulsan Health and Environment Research Institute announced on the 30th that the ozone alert system, which was implemented for six months from April 15 to October 15 until last year, will be extended to seven months from April 1 to October 31 starting this year.

This measure is in response to the rising ozone concentrations nationwide, including the Ulsan area, due to increasing temperatures, as well as the trend of longer ozone advisory periods.

The ozone alert system is designed to quickly disseminate alert situations when high concentrations of ozone occur, minimizing damage to citizens' health and property caused by ozone.

Based on the 1-hour average concentration, if the ozone concentration exceeds 0.12 ppm at even one monitoring station within a region, an ozone advisory is issued for the entire region.

Last year, a total of 22 ozone advisories were issued over 9 days in the Ulsan area.

Ozone and fine dust alert messages can be received for free by applying directly through the Ulsan Health and Environment Research Institute website or by submitting an application form via fax.

An institute official stated, “Since ozone is a gaseous substance and cannot be blocked by masks like fine dust, we hope people will refrain from going out and engaging in outdoor activities when ozone advisories or alerts are issued, and take care of their health.”

Ozone has strong irritant and oxidative properties that can irritate the eyes and skin and cause respiratory diseases. Therefore, when an ozone advisory is issued, vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses need to exercise special caution.