Ground-level Ozone Pollution [UPSC Notes]

Analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in parts of the Delhi-NCR region highlights the increasing prevalence of ground-level ozone pollution in India. In this article, you can read more about ground-level ozone pollution in India, its harmful effects and what the CSE report says on this matter. This topic is relevant for the IAS exam environment and ecology segment.

What is Ground-Level Ozone?

Ground-level ozone or tropospheric ozone is a colourless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the Earth’s surface, within approximately two miles above the ground.

• It is a secondary pollutant which means it is not emitted directly into the air but is produced through chemical reactions involving primary pollutants.
• The primary pollutants involved in the formation of ground-level ozone are nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Sources of NOx and VOCs can be both natural and human activities.
• Natural sources can be wildfires and vegetation, etc.
• Human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, industrial processes, and vehicle emissions, etc. cause the emission of primary pollutants which are responsible for the formation of ozone pollution.

Also read: Ozone Layer

Harmful Effects of Ground-Level Ozone Pollution

Effects on Human Health: 

• Detrimental effects on human health, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and children with underdeveloped lungs.
• Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Environmental Effects:

• Harm to sensitive vegetation, including forests, parks, and wildlife refuges.
• Effects on crop yields during the growing season.
• Ground-level ozone’s ability to travel long distances through wind which can impact rural areas.

Economic impacts:

• Reduced crop yields and damage to vegetation can have significant economic implications, impacting food production, agricultural productivity, and biodiversity.

Findings of CSE Analysis on Ground-level Ozone in Delhi-NCR

• Exceeds national standards on a majority of days during summer.
• Worst affected areas are New Delhi and South Delhi neighbourhoods.
• Elevated ozone levels persisting after sunset.
• Ground-level ozone is becoming a yearlong problem.

Addressing the Issue:

• Measures to control NOx and VOC emissions from vehicles, industries, and power plants.
• Policy interventions and regulations.
• Educating the public about the risks and precautions associated with ground-level ozone exposure.

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