How harmful is ozone to health?

It is a colorless, toxic and chemically very reactive gas. Ozone is both beneficial and harmful: in the stratosphere, ten kilometers from the earth's surface, a natural layer surrounds the earth and protects us from excessive UV radiation. On the ground, it is formed from sunlight, oxygen and pollutants from car exhaust fumes and industry.

Idee für mich
via Sabrina
07/25/2017, 11:32
Frau mittleren Alters joggt über eine Brücke© iStock
In summer, it is better to go jogging in the morning or evening. Ozone levels are lower then.

The concentration is higher in rural areas

The highest ozone levels occur from May to September. The gas forms when it is hot and sunny for several days. The values are lowest in the morning and highest between 2 and 5 p.m., more so in the countryside than in the city. The reason: the exhaust gases are carried away by the wind from the city to the green outskirts - it takes a while for ozone to form. The harmful gas is then broken down again at night.

Animals and plants also suffer

Ozone acts directly where it hits: it irritates mucous membranes, eyes and lung tissue. Due to its low water solubility, it penetrates into the finest alveoli. There is evidence that it increases the risk of lung cancer and has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system. But it's not just us humans who suffer from this so-called summer smog - plants and animals are also affected. It can even lead to crop losses and change entire ecosystems.

Don't do too much sport in summer

Experts recommend doing sport in summer either in the morning or in the evening and spending little time outdoors. The good news is that the improved filters reduce the concentration of pollutants and less ozone is produced.