Ozone limits exceeded at all measuring stations in 2023
Published: Tuesday, Oct 29th 2024, 12:30
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In 2023, the limit values for ozone were exceeded at all 16 air quality monitoring stations in Switzerland, in some cases significantly. On the southern side of the Alps, this also applied in part to respirable particulate matter levels.
The highest levels of ozone pollution were measured during summer smog in Ticino, at the Lugano and Magadino stations, as reported by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) on Tuesday. The highest concentrations of particulate matter were also measured in Ticino. Frequent Saharan dust events in 2023 may have slightly increased the annual average values for particulate matter.
Meanwhile, the limit values for the other air pollutants were complied with at all stations according to the National Monitoring Network for Air Pollutants (Nabel) and according to cantonal measurements, the FOEN further explained.
Overall, air quality in Switzerland has improved significantly over the last 30 years. According to the FOEN, major successes have been achieved in particular with regard to the air pollutants sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and zinc.
However, according to the FOEN, nitrogen deposition in ecosystems is still far too high. The goal of good air quality has therefore not yet been achieved and further emission reductions are necessary.
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