Ozone is a secondary pollutant formed through photochemical reactions during sunny summer afternoons. It can irritate the respiratory system and negatively affect health, such as reducing lung function. In particular, sensitive groups such as the elderly and children need to exercise caution when an ozone advisory (hourly average of 0.12 ppm or higher) is issued, by refraining from outdoor activities and staying indoors.
A recent detailed analysis by the institute showed that the average ozone pollution level in Incheon rose from 0.025 ppm in 2015 to 0.0339 ppm last year, marking an increase of about 36% over the past 10 years. As the period of high ozone concentration has lengthened nationwide, the importance of reducing pollution and protecting public health has grown even greater.
The institute divides Incheon into four regions: the western area, southeastern area, Ganghwa, and Yeongjong-Yeongheung. Based on air quality prediction modeling results, it provides ozone forecasts in four grades?'Good,' 'Moderate,' 'Bad,' and 'Very Bad'?twice daily for each region.
Additionally, in accordance with last year's Ministry of Environment announcement, the ozone forecast period has been extended from April 1 to October 31. A situation room operates from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to ensure a prompt response system.
Ozone forecasts can be checked on the Environmental Information Disclosure System of the Institute of Health and Environment, and a text message alert service is also available. The high ozone concentration advisory text service can be subscribed to through the Incheon city website.
Kwak Wansoon, director of the Incheon Institute of Health and Environment, stated, "We expect ozone advisories to be issued more frequently due to high temperatures caused by climate change. We will do our utmost in monitoring air pollution and operating the real-time situation room."
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