Ozone Pollution: “Double Punishment During Heat Peaks” for Respiratory Diseases, Warns the Association Santé Respiratoire France

Paris – 25.05.2026: Frédéric Le Guillou, president of the association Santé Respiratoire France, warned in an interview with France Inter about the health risks linked to high ozone levels during heatwaves. He emphasized that such conditions represent a “double punishment” for people with respiratory diseases.

Ozone is a secondary air pollutant formed through chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds under the influence of heat and sunlight. These reactions particularly lead to increased ozone levels during heatwaves, which are harmful to human health. According to the European Climate Change and Health Observatory, ground-level ozone impairs human health by disrupting respiratory and cardiovascular functions, leading to increased hospital admissions and premature deaths.

In France, respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are widespread. A study by Santé publique France estimates that between 2016 and 2019, up to 40,000 deaths annually were attributable to exposure to fine particulate matter. Moreover, chronic exposure to fine particulates and nitrogen dioxide caused tens of thousands of cases of chronic diseases annually, such as asthma, strokes, cancer, and diabetes.

The effects of ozone pollution on health are especially concerning as they not only worsen existing respiratory diseases but also increase the risk of developing new illnesses. According to the European Climate Change and Health Observatory, ozone exposure is associated with worsened asthma and an increased incidence of strokes.

Given these risks, Le Guillou stressed the need to take special precautions during heatwaves, especially for people with existing respiratory conditions. He recommended avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest times of the day and paying attention to air quality warnings issued by authorities. Additionally, people with asthma or COPD should take their medications regularly and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms worsen.

The association Santé Respiratoire France calls on the responsible authorities to intensify measures to reduce air pollution in order to protect public health. These include stricter emission regulations for industry and traffic as well as promoting initiatives to improve air quality in urban areas.

Overall, the current situation underscores the urgent need to place greater emphasis on the link between climate change, air pollution, and public health risks on the political agenda. Only through coordinated efforts at local, national, and international levels can sustainable improvements in air quality and thus public health be achieved.