Chemical accident in France: alarming sulphur dioxide levels!
In Les Roche de Condrieux, an industrial area in France, the sulphur dioxide limit value was recently exceeded at one point. At 300 µg/m³, the hourly average was above the permitted value for two hours. The warning was only issued in the late afternoon.
Sulphur dioxide is a colourless, pungent-smelling gas that is produced during combustion processes, particularly in industry and transport. It can irritate the respiratory tract and cause breathing difficulties in high concentrations. It can also irritate the eyes. Prolonged exposure can cause chronic respiratory diseases. In addition, sulphur dioxide contributes to the formation of particulate matter and acid rain.
It is commendable that, despite the short duration of the exceedance and the local limitation to a small industrial area, a warning was issued for the entire department. This shows how seriously the authorities are taking the situation. However, it also raises the question of whether such incidents in industry are avoidable and whether the control mechanisms are sufficient.
Air pollution is also an ongoing issue in Germany, but here the focus is primarily on particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. Sulphur dioxide and ozone seem to be less of a focus. However, ozone is a strong oxidising agent that can irritate the respiratory tract and weaken the immune system. High ozone levels occur mainly in summer when the sun is shining brightly.
Although the limit values for sulphur dioxide and ozone are stricter in Germany than in many other countries, they are still repeatedly exceeded. There is not a lack of knowledge about the dangers of these pollutants, but rather a lack of consistent measures to reduce emissions.
Social acceptance of industry and transport as sources of air pollutants remains high. There also seems to be little pressure on politicians to introduce stricter regulations. Yet air pollution and the associated health risks are a global problem that affects us all.
In this sense, the incident in Les Roche de Condrieux should be a wake-up call. It is time to take the dangers of sulphur dioxide and ozone seriously and act consistently to make our air cleaner. This concerns both industry and each and every one of us, because after all, we all breathe the same air.