The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 2nd that it will implement an ozone season management system from May to August. Ozone is created when pollutants emitted from vehicles and factories come into contact with sunlight, irritating the eyes, nose, and respiratory system. Inhaling ozone can cause coughing and shortness of breath, and in severe cases, can exacerbate lung and cardiovascular diseases. The city is promoting reduction measures for ozone, which tends to occur more frequently during the summer.
The city will crack down on business sites such as gas stations and auto painting facilities that emit pollutants. If an ozone alert is issued, the site manager at construction sites will be notified to recommend flexible management of asphalt construction times. The plan is to establish regulations for operational restrictions aimed at phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2025.
Since 1995, the city has implemented an ozone warning system. An ozone alert is issued when the concentration of ozone in the atmosphere exceeds an average of 0.12 ppm per hour, a warning at over 0.30 ppm, and a severe warning at over 0.50 ppm. Unlike fine dust, ozone exists in a gaseous form, making it invisible and inhalable even when wearing a mask. Kwon Min, Director of the Climate and Environment Headquarters of Seoul, noted, “Activities outdoors should be minimized when the ozone level is high.”