Preventive Warning Issued for Air Quality

Protecció Civil de la Generalitat activated a preventive pollution alert on Friday, 14 August, due to forecasted high levels of tropospheric ozone in the Vallès and Baix Llobregat air quality zone. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor sports and strenuous physical activity, particularly vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. The Department of Ecological Transition predicts ozone concentrations could exceed the information threshold of 180 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) for at least one hour on Friday. This threshold is based on monitoring by the Atmospheric Pollution Surveillance and Forecast Network (XVPCA), which tracks air quality across Catalonia.

The only effective way to reduce ground-level ozone is to cut emissions of its precursors, mainly from traffic and industry.

Health Risks and Public Guidance

Elevated ozone levels in the lower atmosphere can cause throat irritation, coughing, breathing difficulties, and aggravated asthma. The pollutant forms through chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and strong sunlight, making episodes more common during hot, still summer days. While ozone in the stratosphere protects against UV radiation, high concentrations at ground level are linked to reduced lung function and increased daily mortality, according to health information from the Department of Ecological Transition.

For now, the alert remains preventive. Final confirmation of threshold exceedance will be determined in the coming hours. If confirmed, the Generalitat will issue a formal update. For the rest of Catalonia, ozone levels are expected to remain within normal ranges. Residents are advised to limit outdoor exertion, especially during peak sunlight hours. The Generalitat recommends reducing car use and industrial emissions where possible to help lower precursor pollutants. More information is available via the Govern.cat website and the XVPCA monitoring system.

Primary sources: govern.cat. Reported by elperiodico.com, El Periódico, lavanguardia.com, cimne.com, Carla Pérez, diaridesabadell.com, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), El Periódico Barcelona.

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