Alarm over high ozone levels

24 June 2005

BRUSSELS — The sunny weather led to high concentrations of ozone across the country on Friday, breaching the European Union alarm threshold.

The alarm level of 240 micrograms per cubic meter was breached at 6pm in Berendrecht, Schoten, Aarschot, Dessel and Hasselt.

Even healthy and adult people were advised against undertaking heavy physical activities until 8pm on Friday.

Various other locations across the country were reporting ozone of 180 micrograms or more, the level at which the public must be informed.

People who are susceptible to air pollution, such as the elderly and children, were advised against undertaking unusual physical activities outdoors between midday and 8pm.

Ozone is created by a process in which nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and oxygen is transformed due to warm temperatures and sunlight into nitrogen monoxide (NO) and ozone.

Belgium officially entered a heatwave on Thursday and the warm weather continued on Friday. A large number of problems have been reported with car batteries due to the heat.

Subject: Belgian news