High ozone levels pose health hazard, says EPA official

The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) has issued health warnings given the high level of ozone concentration over the country.

Yeh Fang-lu (葉芳露), an EPA air quality inspector, yesterday said that the ozone concentration above Taiwan has been higher than normal over the past several days, owing to the recirculation of a high pressure system over the western part of the country.

threat

This has created a health threat that is likely to remain for a week if there is no change in the current weather pattern, Yeh said.

Yeh added that the ozone density was detected at 222 parts per billion (ppb) at the EPA's Kuting surveillance station in Taipei last week, marking the highest level in the past decade.

This compares with a normal record of 60ppb in winter and 20ppb in summer in northern Taiwan, he said.

The ozone concentration was detected at 161ppb in the central and southern areas of the country, covering Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan counties, and at 176ppb in Kaohsiung City and County and in Pingtung County this week, Yeh said.

outdoors

He warned people in these areas against heading outdoors between noon and 2pm.

As ozone concentrations above 95ppb can cause respiratory distress, the EPA has instructed local governments to be on alert over changes in air quality.

It also advised seniors and those who have weak immune systems to refrain from going outside or to wear surgical masks if they have to do so.