Although summer usually reminds us of the stifling heat, in Spain High temperatures are causing a significant increase in tropospheric ozone pollution., one of the most problematic and widespread pollutants today. According to the latest data presented by environmental organizations and the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), The exceptional heat peaks of recent months have favored the formation and accumulation of ozone in the air we breathe, which has generated particularly early and significant warning episodes in areas such as Madrid, Catalonia and the Basque Country.
Specialists warn that This type of pollution not only affects the environment, but it has direct consequences on the health of the population. People with cardiorespiratory diseases, children, the elderly, and pregnant women are the most vulnerable groups to continued exposure to this gas, but No one is exempt from riskThe annual report of Ecologists in Action and data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) show that Thousands of premature deaths in Spain are associated with poor air quality., especially during episodes of high pollution such as those recorded during the warm months.
Tropospheric ozone, a pollutant on the rise
Tropospheric ozone is a typical summer pollutant that originates from chemical reactions. among other polluting agents (such as nitrogen oxides and organic compounds) and ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This causes Pollution episodes are more frequent and intense in the hottest months, even arriving earlier than summer in years as extreme as this one. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service has noted the presence of significant ozone peaks across Europe, with particular intensity in Spain due to sustained heat and adverse weather conditions.
These situations Cases of respiratory problems, eye irritation and asthma attacks are increasing, often leading to emergency room visits and complications in people with pre-existing conditions. Although tropospheric ozone is not emitted directly, its formation is inevitable when heavy traffic and high temperatures coincide, affecting both urban and rural areas near cities.
Last year, Madrid led the number of legal overrides of the ozone limit, but in the summer of 2024, alerts were recorded from the Basque Country to Catalonia, passing through other communities. According to the new European regulations that come into force in 2030, 19 Spanish areas have already exceeded the limits, seriously affecting health and vegetation, since Ozone also reduces agricultural productivity.
Pollutants reduced, but millions remain at risk
Despite the rebound in ozone, General air data in Spain show an improvement compared to the pandemic and previous years.. Between 2023 and 2024, monitoring of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) shows a significant reduction, thanks in part to the increased use of renewable energy and the emergence of more efficient vehicles. Road traffic remains the main cause of pollution in large cities., but progress has been observed, according to the group Ecologists in Action.
However, These improvements have not been uniform throughout the territoryThe Canary Islands, for example, have recorded particularly high levels of respirable particles due to the influence of African dust. And, according to the new European Union air quality directive, More than 30 million people were still exposed to polluted air in 2024., and 81% of the national territory exceeded the pollution limits for vegetation.
The health impact of air pollution
Air pollution remains one of the main public health problems in Spain and Europe.. During 2022, the European Environment Agency estimates that up to 30.000 premature deaths were linked to diseases aggravated by breathing polluted airThe impact is especially high during periods of extreme pollutant concentrations, such as during heat waves or on days with high levels of particulate matter.
A recent report from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) shows that Spain maintains stable figures for deaths attributed to air pollutionThe EU has achieved more significant reductions, although the problem persists across the continent. PM10 and PM2.5 particles remain the most harmful, as they can penetrate the respiratory system and cause serious illness.
The basic recommendations for this type of episodes include: avoid physical exercise during rush hour, limiting the use of private vehicles, ventilating homes during times of less traffic, and opting for public transport or non-motorized means. Regional and municipal authorities are intensifying preventive warnings and promoting campaigns to reduce emissions, but both experts and environmental groups insist that Information to the population is still insufficient and that more ambitious action plans are required.
Furthermore, the report highlights that, although the number of premature deaths in Spain due to pollution remains similar to a decade ago, Most of the population is still exposed to levels higher than those recommended by the WHO, which are significantly lower than the legal limits set by the European Union.
Poor air quality is not just an environmental concern: Its effects have a direct impact on the public health system and the economy, due to the increase in medical treatments and the impact on labor productivity. The World Bank estimates the costs for Spain to be around $50.000 billion annually, or 3,5% of GDP.
Experts agree that Changing mobility habits, making a firm commitment to renewable energy, implementing truly restrictive low-emission zones, and improving public information will be essential to advance the reduction of risks from air pollution in the coming years.
Heat waves and road traffic continue to exacerbate the presence of pollutants such as ground-level ozone, affecting the population unevenly. Although a gradual improvement in air quality is observed, there is still work to be done: millions of people breathe dangerous levels of pollution, and the health and environmental challenges linked to air pollution require swift, coordinated, and effective action by all governments.
