Recklinghausen (dpa/lnw) - In several places in North Rhine-Westphalia, more than 180 micrograms of ozone per cubic meter of air were measured on Tuesday, exceeding the information threshold. In the afternoon, 181 micrograms were measured in Soest-Ost and Marl-Sickingmühle, and 216 micrograms in Borken-Gemen, according to the State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection. Many other stations also showed values close to the 180 mark.
Around 10 to 20 percent of the population are particularly sensitive to ozone. Possible symptoms are irritation of the mucous membranes, respiratory problems and headaches to the point of limiting physical performance.
Affected people should avoid exertion and postpone "sporting endurance performance" to the early morning or evening - behavior that is advisable in view of temperatures of around 40 degrees, regardless of high ozone levels. In principle, one should protect oneself against sunburn, according to the state office. For Tuesday, the office expected lower ozone levels.
