Relation between ozone level and human health from sustainable development viewpoint

Abstract

Ground-level ozone is one of the most common and harmful air pollutants to which people are exposed. Ground-level ozone has been linked to human health effects ranging from minor respiratory problems to hospitalizations. The results of the changes of the ground-level ozone as one of the air quality indicators are presented in the report. Three indicators related to the influence of ozone concentration on human health and adopted by different organizations were selected for the analysis. The hourly ozone data obtained at the Preila background station during 1990-2005 were used for the calculation of the 8-h ozone mean, AOT60 and SOM035. The target value for the protection of human health (maximum daily 8-hour mean greater than 60 ppb should not be exceeded more than 25 days per calendar year averaged over three years) was not exceeded in Lithuania. The calculated AOT60 values exceeded the critical level AOT60=0 for human health but were lower than the absolute limit of 2900 ppb h. The increase trend of SOM035 was established during 1990-2005.