London saw increases of around 50% in surface ozone (O3) compared to previous years
The study – led by the University of York – shows levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) down on average across the UK by 42 per cent, but surface ozone (O3) increased by 11 per cent on average.
Surface, or ground-level ozone, can trigger a variety of health problems, particularly for children, the elderly, and people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma.
Scientists believe our warm and sunny spring weather may have been a contributing factor. The report concludes that if the Covid-19 lockdown is taken as an example of how air quality will respond to future reductions in vehicle emissions - with more electric vehicles being introduced - it serves as a warning that the problem of O3 must also be considered.
Continue reading at University of York
Image via University of York
