Concern over air pollution has once again become a focus of public debate in Spain in 2024., driven by both episodes of high temperatures and the persistence of high levels of pollutants in many regions. Tropospheric ozone, in particular, It has become the undisputed protagonist, having recorded values above the historical averages during the first warm months of the year, a phenomenon that, according to experts, is not usually common until midsummer.
This spike in pollution coincides with the warmest spring in recent decades.. According to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), this june It could end as the hottest since 1961, a circumstance that favors the formation and accumulation of tropospheric ozone (O3) at ground level. Intense solar radiation, high temperatures and precursor pollutants They generate this gas, which is especially problematic for human health, and its concentration increases during heat waves.
Ozone, an increasingly widespread pollutant
The formation of ozone at ground level does not come from direct emissions, but from chemical reactions. among common pollutants from traffic and industry, in the presence of ultraviolet radiation. Thus, the increase in temperatures during heat waves triggers episodes of high O3 concentrations. During the months before summer alone, alerts have affected regions such as Madrid, the Basque Country, and Catalonia. The situation is expected to worsen during the summer.Madrid is among the most affected areas, with repeated exceedances of both current legal limits and those stipulated in European regulations for 2030.
The health consequences are significant: Ozone can aggravate respiratory illnesses such as asthma, cause eye and throat irritation, and even lead to hospitalizations for vulnerable individuals if concentrations are high. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung problems They are the groups at greatest risk for these episodes.
Suspended particles: a persistent challenge
In addition to ozone, suspended particles, especially PM10 and PM2.5, are one of the greatest environmental challengesThese tiny particles, largely from traffic, construction work and sometimes carried from North Africa, They have a high penetration capacity into the respiratory system and cause negative effects both in the short and long term. Recently, intrusions of African dust have contributed to episodes of poor air quality, especially in the Canary Islands and regions of the Iberian Peninsula.
The authorities have recommended reducing outdoor physical activity during the most intense episodes, especially for people with respiratory, asthmatic, or cardiovascular conditions. For the general population, Preventive measures are emphasized, such as prioritizing public transportation and limiting the use of private vehicles during pollution peaks.
In cities such as Barcelona and Valladolid, municipal services activate specific protocols when high levels of particles and ozone are detected, requesting citizen collaboration through changes in daily habits. However, environmental groups criticize the fact that information and coordination between administrations are sometimes insufficient to prevent real risks.
Impact on the population, the economy and the environment
Nearly two-thirds of the Spanish population has breathed air that exceeds European legal limits., which represents a major challenge for meeting air quality regulations by 2030. Despite some improvements in 2024, such as decreases in PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and ozone particles, the magnitude of the problem remains high.
Approximately 30.000 people die prematurely each year in Spain from causes related to air pollution., according to data from the European Environment Agency. These episodes increase healthcare costs, affect the economy and labor productivity, and place a significant burden on healthcare systems.
From an environmental point of view, air pollution seriously affects biodiversity, agricultural production and the conservation of protected areas, as evidenced by the crisis in natural parks of Spain and other natural environments.
