Both Tuesday, August 12 and Wednesday, August 13, there is a chance of smog due to ozone in various parts of the Netherlands. On Tuesday, air quality may be poor in North Brabant and parts of Central Netherlands. On Wednesday, air quality is expected to be poor especially in the northern Netherlands. People sensitive to smog may experience problems. The RIVM advises them to stay indoors and limit strenuous physical activity. This advice applies especially in the afternoon and early evening, as the air is most polluted then.

Smog due to ozone can lead to an increase in respiratory complaints, such as coughing and shortness of breath, worsening of asthma symptoms, and a decrease in lung function. Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat may also occur. People with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly are relatively often sensitive to smog. Contact your doctor if you have complaints.

Ozone Forecast for Coming Days

On Tuesday, August 12 and Wednesday, August 13, the amount of ozone in the air will increase. On Tuesday, August 12, the increase in ozone in Central Netherlands (Utrecht, South Holland, Gelderland, North Brabant) may locally lead to smog. On Wednesday, August 13, air quality is expected to be poor in the provinces of Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe. In the provinces of Overijssel, Gelderland, and Utrecht, air quality may also be locally poor on Wednesday. From Thursday, ozone concentrations will be lower, and there will be no more chance of smog.

Smog Due to Ozone

Smog due to ozone occurs when air pollution accumulates on sunny days. This occurs in spring and summer when there is little (mostly southeast) wind. Pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds are converted into ozone under the influence of sunlight. This is also known as summer smog. In other seasons, the suns strength is too weak to create high ozone concentrations.

European Information and Alarm Threshold for Ozone

In Europe, an information and alarm threshold for ozone has been established. The EU European Union (European Union)-information threshold is 180 micrograms of ozone per cubic meter of air. When this value is (threateningly) exceeded, people sensitive to smog may experience complaints. The RIVM then issues a warning. Air quality is then poor according to the Dutch Air Quality Index.
The EU alarm threshold is 240 micrograms of ozone per cubic meter of air (very poor according to the Dutch air quality index). When this value is exceeded, everyone may experience complaints. If this is about to happen, the RIVM will change the warning into an alarm.

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