A recent study shows ground-level ozone rises across every region of India during the pre-monsoon hot season and often goes above the World Health Organization safe limit of 70 micrograms per cubic metre.
The researchers used surface, satellite and reanalysis data from 2004 to 2024 for the months of March, April, May and June. They found ozone becomes particularly intense during heatwaves because strong sunlight speeds the chemical reactions that make ozone. The study recorded many heatwave events with high ozone, and northern India had the highest concentrations.
Experts say the problem links to gases that form ozone and to burning fuels. They recommend heat-action plans and controls on pollutant emissions to protect health.
Difficult words
- ozone — A gas in air that can harm health
- pre-monsoon — The season before the monsoon rains start
- reanalysis — Combined data and models to study the past
- heatwave — A period of unusually hot weather for daysheatwaves
- concentration — The amount of a substance in the airconcentrations
- emission — Pollution released into the air from sourcesemissions
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Discussion questions
- How could heat-action plans help people during hot seasons?
- What actions can reduce pollutant emissions in your town or city?
- Would you want local warnings about high ozone days? Why or why not?
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