Luftverschmutzung in Europa 2009

Ozone is a 'secondary' pollutant formed in the lower part of the atmosphere, the troposphere, from complex photochemical reactions following emissions of precursor gases such as nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds. Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent and one of the air pollutants of most concern in Europe. Ozone concentrations in Europe are also influenced by emissions in other northern hemisphere countries and by poorly regulated sectors such as international shipping and aviation. Thus, ozone pollution can no longer be considered a local air quality issue — it is a global problem.