Ozone pollution: Santé Respiratoire France warns about the impact of the "double penalty during heat waves" on respiratory diseases

Paris – 25 May 2026: Frédéric Le Gilleux, president of Santé Respiratoire France, warned in an interview on France Inter about the health risks associated with high ozone concentrations during heatwaves. He emphasized that such conditions represent a “double penalty” for people with respiratory diseases.

Ozone is a secondary air pollutant formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds undergo chemical reactions under the influence of heat and sunlight. These reactions especially increase ozone concentrations during heatwaves, which can be harmful to human health. According to the European Climate and Health Observatory, near-surface ozone impairs respiratory and cardiovascular function and is linked to increased hospitalizations and premature deaths.

In France, respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are widespread. According to a study by Santé publique France, exposure to fine particulate matter was estimated to cause up to 40,000 deaths per year between 2016 and 2019. Furthermore, chronic exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide contributes to tens of thousands of cases per year of chronic diseases such as asthma, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.

The health impacts of ozone pollution are of particular concern, as it can not only exacerbate existing respiratory conditions but also increase the risk of new disease onset. The European Climate and Health Observatory reports that ozone exposure is associated with worsening asthma and increased incidence of stroke.

In light of these risks, Le Gilleux emphasized the need for people, especially those with respiratory diseases, to take special precautions during heatwaves. He recommended avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest hours and paying attention to official air quality alerts. Asthma and COPD patients should take their medication regularly and see a doctor immediately if symptoms worsen.

Santé Respiratoire France is urging authorities to take strengthened measures to reduce air pollution and protect public health. This includes tightening emission regulations for industry and transport sectors and promoting measures to improve urban air quality.

Overall, the situation highlights the urgency of placing the links between climate change, air pollution, and public health risks at the center of policy agendas. Coordinated efforts at local, national, and international levels will be needed to achieve sustained air quality improvements and better population health.