Ozone Pollution Exceeds Standards in South Korea

In a total of six regions—the northern and southern parts of Gyeonggi Province, Busan, Ulsan, and the northern and southern parts of Gyeongsang Province—ground-level ozone levels reached the “Poor” category, while air quality in the remaining areas was generally fair. Although PM2.5 levels were favorable, persistent high temperatures combined with intense sunlight triggered photochemical reactions in exhaust emissions from vehicles and industrial sources, leading to regional ozone pollution. Ground-level ozone can irritate the respiratory tract and damage the lungs, and is likely to trigger asthma and cardiovascular emergencies; ordinary face masks are ineffective in providing protection against it.