Temperatures are rising and attention is growing for the concentration of ozone in the air

Temperatures are rising and, since solar radiation is promoting the increase in ozone concentrations, the alert is triggered in the most exposed regions and cities.

"In the first summer days of 2025, high levels of ozone were recorded in several regions, sometimes exceeding the information and alarm thresholds - they underline at the Snpa, the national environmental protection system composed of Ispra and the regional environmental protection agencies -. The most critical moments are the hottest hours of the day, from 12 to 18, while the values ​​​​decrease during the night hours".

The ARPA of the various regions are carrying out constant monitoring with data relating to the presence measured in micrograms per cubic meter. On July 1, just to give an example, the data from ARPA Lazio indicate that in all the provinces the values ​​are below 100 micrograms per cubic meter, with the exception of Allumiere and Villa Ada in Rome where several exceedances of the information thresholds were recorded, which see the values ​​at 180 micrograms per cubic meter. Figures below the alarm threshold set at 240 micrograms.

In Emilia Romagna, exceedances of the limits were recorded in the provinces of Reggio Emilia and Ferrara, in Cervia and Piacenza with values ​​that hovered around 182 micrograms. In the province of Trento, the values ​​almost reached the maximum threshold of 180, stopping at 177 micrograms per cubic meter in Riva del Garda and 178 micrograms in Monte Gaza. In Gorizia, the information threshold was exceeded and an exceedance is expected until July 6. Exceedances of the limit of 180 micrograms per cubic meter were also recorded in the upper Padua area, just as similar episodes were recorded in Rome. And in the Capital itself, a management resolution was issued inviting citizens to adopt virtuous behavior (public transport instead of private, turning off the engine when not needed).

In addition to disseminating data on ozone concentration, the ARPA also provides suggestions on behaviors to adopt. Such as the one, especially aimed at people most at risk (children and the elderly or those with respiratory problems) of "avoiding outdoor activities as much as possible during the hours of greatest sunlight, generally from 12 to 16. A diet rich in antioxidants based on seasonal fruit or vegetables is also useful". In the event of ozone risk, subjects at risk are advised to avoid outdoor activities in the afternoon. For sensitive people, that of "avoiding physical activity, even moderate, in the afternoon". However, everyone is advised to avoid physical effort in the afternoon.