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Ground level ozone concentrations: Glasgow

Ozone in the stratosphere forms a layer that protects the earth against harmful ultra-violet radiation, but tropospheric (ground level) ozone is a damaging oxidant. In humans, concentrations of 200μg/m3 (over eight hours), have been noted to affect healthy individuals, with high concentrations causing irritation to the eyes and nose. At very high levels (1000-2000μg/m3), the airway lining can be damaged through inflammatory response and may lead to impaired lung function. High ozone concentrations damage plant communities by inducing foliar injury, often evidenced by the appearance of brown and white flecks on leaves. Even without visible damage, agricultural and forest yields may be reduced. Tropospheric ozone may also contribute to acid rain formation and damage some man-made materials such as paints, elastomers and fabrics. The most important man-made precursors are nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds produced by road transport, industrial processes and solvent use. Ozone concentrations tend to be lower in urban areas where it is converted to nitrogen dioxide by reacting with nitrogen oxides.


Data presented here details ground level ozone concentrations measured in two areas of Glasgow from 1998 - 2012. Rural ground level ozone concentration monitoring commenced in 2005 while city centre location has been active since 1998. Data is an extract from dataset. Entitled "Ground level ozone concentrations: 1986-2012" available from [Scottish Environment Statistics Online](http://www.scotland.gov.uk/seso/Datasets.aspx?TID=2) Details of the verification - ratification process and the methodology can be examined [here](http://www.scottishairquality.co.uk/verification_and_ratification.php)

Published on 2013-06-07T09:59:12.

2015-09-23 09:01:12

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