The Monaco Government issued a warning at lunchtime on Monday, August 21, that the threshold of ozone pollution, of 180 μg/m3, was likely to be reached during the day.
Ozone pollution results from the action of the sun on certain automobile and industrial pollutants and grows with the intensity of the sun and when the winds are weak.
Due to the persistent strong heat and weak winds, “the Government issues the following recommendations: Health recommendations: For vulnerable populations (pregnant women, infants and young children, people of over 65, people suffering from cardiovascular pathologies, heart failure or respiratory, asthmatic people) or sensitive (people who recognise themselves as sensitive during pollution peaks and/or whose symptoms appear or are amplified during some peaks) : • Limit intense physical and sporting activities in the open air, those indoors can be maintained; • Limit outings in the hottest hours; • Choose shorter outings and those that require the least effort; • In the event of respiratory or cardiac discomfort (for example: shortness of breath, wheezing, palpitations), take advice from your pharmacist or consult your doctor.
“Recommendations to road users: • Favour non-polluting modes of travel for short journeys; • Limit, for private and professional travel, the use of motor vehicles by using public transport and carpooling; • Avoid travel on major highways and their surroundings during peak periods; Other recommendations: • Postpone maintenance or cleaning work requiring the use of solvents, paints, varnishes…
“Air quality monitoring in the Principality is provided by an automated network of five measurement stations: rue Grimaldi, boulevard Charles III, place des Moulins, Fontvieille and quay Anthony 1. The recorded data is processed daily by the Department of the Environment. Air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, dust and ozone (O3) are measured continuously.”
SOURCE: Monaco Government Press Service
FILE PHOTO: Reuters
