Environment & HealthGS-IGS-III· 1 min read
Heatwaves and Surface Ozone Impact on Health
Why in news?
A recent study highlights the combined detrimental effect of heatwaves and surface ozone on cardiac and respiratory health in India.
Key points
- Heatwaves exacerbate surface ozone levels, which are already high in many parts of India.
- Surface ozone is a harmful pollutant affecting the heart and lungs.
- During heatwave days in 2024, ozone exposure was linked to approximately 26,500 deaths from ischaemic heart disease and COPD.
- A smaller but significant increase in deaths from these conditions was directly attributed to the heatwave's effect on ozone levels (around 830 deaths).
Background & context
Surface ozone is a secondary pollutant formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. India faces high levels of both ozone and heat stress, particularly in the pre-monsoon months.
★ Prelims fact capsule
World Health Organization guideline for surface ozone is 70 μg/m³; during heatwaves in northern India, levels reached 85-110 μg/m³.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1 (Social Issues - Health), GS Paper 3 (Environment, Disaster Management)