Ground-level ozone (GLO) at the TT Nagar monitoring station surged to a maximum of 255 micrograms per cubic metre on Wednesday, following a week of blistering heat since June 7, conditions ideal for ozone build-up near the surface..
This isn’t the protective ozone high above but a pollutant formed when strong sunlight reacts with vehicular and industrial emissions. It irritates the throat, triggers coughing, tightens the chest, and makes breathing harder—especially for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Even healthy people may feel short of breath or fatigued.
Doctors note that several of these symptoms resemble early-stage Covid, particularly the JN.1 variant now resurging in parts of the country. The overlap—dry cough, sore throat, exhaustion—makes it harder for people to tell what they’re dealing with. Medical experts recommend paying close attention to fever, loss of smell, or body aches, but also caution against brushing off pollution-related discomfort.
Scientists have already flagged the role of ground level ozone in vitamin D deficiency. GLO chrtails availability of UVB rays by scattering or absorbing them before they reach the skin. Over time, this fractured sunlight weakens the body’s ability to produce enough vitamin D—especially in urban environments already prone to low levels.
Pets and plants are showing signs of stress too. Vets say eye irritation, shallow breathing, and sluggishness in animals could be caused by this ozone overload. Saplings and kitchen gardens also suffer, as higher levels damage leaves, slow growth, and reduce resistance to pests and disease.
Despite repeated summer spikes, there’s still no system in place to warn residents when ozone levels breach safe limits. Experts are calling for targeted, real-time alerts—especially during peak heat hours—so that people can take basic precautions. For now, doctors advise avoiding outdoor exertion between 11 AM and 6 PM, staying hydrated, and paying attention to even mild respiratory symptoms.