The Department of Ecological Transition has activated a preventive alert for ozone pollution in the air quality zone of Camp de Tarragona due to the forecast of high levels during the next few hours.
The alert is concentrated in this area while the rest of the territory maintains regular values, a difference that places the focus on Tarragona during the periods of highest solar radiation and requires extreme caution among the most vulnerable population.
The alert is activated in Camp de Tarragona while the rest of the territory remains at regular levels
The regional administration has asked to limit outdoor physical activity, especially for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory illnesses. The recommendation also involves monitoring the evolution of air quality before carrying out outdoor activities.
During ozone episodes, the risk increases during the central hours of the day. Therefore, the Department of Ecological Transition advises reducing outdoor exposure when solar radiation is most intense.
The European Union sets the information threshold at 180 µg/m³ and the alert threshold at 240 µg/m³
European criteria establish that the information threshold is exceeded when the ozone concentration exceeds 180 µg/m³ for one hour. From 240 µg/m³ during the same period, the alert threshold comes into effect.
Exposure to high concentrations of this pollutant can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as cough and difficulty breathing. It can also aggravate pre-existing conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.
In Camp de Tarragona, the official recommendation for the next few hours is to reduce outdoor exercise and consult the air quality evolution before going out, especially for children, the elderly, and patients with respiratory illnesses.