Indicator: A-18 Concentrations of ozone in urban areas
Data
Highest daily maximum 1-hour ozone concentrations for capital cities, 1991-2001
Source: State of the Air Report, Table A4.16 (p.218)
Number of days with daily maximum 1 hour ozone concentrations above NEPM standard, capital cities
Source: State of the Air Report, Table A4.15 (p.217)
Highest daily maximum 4 hour ozone concentrations for capital cities, 1991-2001
Source: State of the Air Report, Table A4.21 (p.223)
Number of days with daily maximum 4 hour ozone concentrations over NEPM standard, capital cities
Source: State of the Air Report, Table A4.20 (p.222)
What the data mean
Many of the capital cities have registered either an increase in ozone concentrations over the reporting period of 1991 to 2001 or no significant improvement. Most cities have, however, shown a reduction in the number of days of exceedence of the National Environment Protection Measure standards for ozone concentrations. Sydney continues to have high levels of ozone and 12 days in 2001 of exceeding the four hour ozone standard of 0.8 parts per million.
Data Limitations
Comparisons of historical data sets across the nation are difficult due to lack of harmonisation in network designs, and in sampling, analysis, quality control and reporting practices. In addition, discontinuities and changes in data collection and reporting practices can distort trend analysis results.
Issues for which this is an indicator and why
Atmosphere — Air quality - Urban air quality
Ozone is an important constituent of the stratosphere, where it protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. However, at ground level, it is a major health and environmental concern. At ground level, ozone is not emitted directly but is formed as a result of reactions involving oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds.
The main sources of volatile organic compounds are from vegetation (biogenic), motor vehicles, refineries and petrochemicals.
Ozone has adverse health effects on various parts of the respiratory system. Prolonged short-term exposures have been linked with significant decreases in lung function and increased respiratory symptoms, as well as aggravation of pre-existing respiratory diseases such as asthma. Ozone also has adverse effects on vegetation and building materials. Atmospheric concentrations of ozone are a direct indicator for this issue.
Other indicators for this issue:
- A-17 Concentrations of carbon monoxide in urban areas
- A-19 Concentration of lead in urban areas
- A-20 Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in urban areas
- A-21 Concentration of sulphur dioxide in urban areas
- A-22 Concentration of Particles PM10 and PM2.5 in urban areas
- A-23 Concentration of benzene in urban areas
Human Settlements — Liveability of human settlements - Air quality
Ozone is an important constituent of the stratosphere, where it protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. However, at ground level, it is a major health and environmental concern. At ground level, ozone is not emitted directly but is formed as a result of reactions involving oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds.
The main sources of volatile organic compounds are from vegetation (biogenic), motor vehicles, refineries and petrochemicals.
Ozone has adverse health effects on various parts of the respiratory system. Prolonged short-term exposures have been linked with significant decreases in lung function and increased respiratory symptoms, as well as aggravation of pre-existing respiratory diseases such as asthma. Ozone also has adverse effects on vegetation and building materials. Atmospheric concentrations of ozone are a direct indicator for this issue.
Other indicators for this issue:
- A-17 Concentrations of carbon monoxide in urban areas
- A-19 Concentration of lead in urban areas
- A-20 Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in urban areas
- A-21 Concentration of sulphur dioxide in urban areas
- A-22 Concentration of Particles PM10 and PM2.5 in urban areas
- A-23 Concentration of benzene in urban areas
- A-24 Concentrations of carbon monoxide in regional areas
- A-25 Concentrations of ozone in regional areas
- A-26 Concentrations of lead in regional areas
- A-27 Concentration of nitrogen dioxide in regional areas
- A-28 Concentrations of sulphur dioxide in regional areas
- A-29 Concentrations of Particles PM10 and PM2.5 in regional areas
- A-30 Concentration of benzene in regional areas
- CO-70 Examples or case studies of localised impacts of windborne dust and smoke
Further Information
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