Ozone in Ticino: limits exceeded and implications (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Ozone limits exceeded in Ticino despite the general improvement.
• 335 hours of exceeding the threshold of 120 μg/m³ were detected in Giubiasco.
• Climate change increases the number of favorable hot days.
• Nitrogen oxides are on the decline thanks to decades of technical improvements.

Key facts

• What: Exceeding the ozone threshold of 120 micrograms per cubic meter.
• When: Measurements made during the previous year.
• Where: Giubiasco measuring station, industrial area.
• Who: Cantonal Air, Climate and Renewable Energy Office.
• Regulatory limit: Maximum one hour of exceedance per year allowed.

The air quality in Ticino has undergone a path of constant improvement in recent years, however the ozone parameter continues to raise concerns among the competent authorities. Recently, the Department of the Cantonal Office of Air, Climate and Renewable Energy has highlighted how ground-level ozone concentrations regularly exceed the limit values established by federal legislation. A concrete example is the monitoring station located in Giubiasco, about 400 meters from the incinerator-thermal valorizer, where last year 335 hours of exceeding the threshold of 120 micrograms per cubic meter were recorded. According to the federal directives in force, this limit should not be exceeded for more than one hour during the entire year

Operational details

The analysis of data on air quality raises questions about the adequacy of current regulations in a rapidly changing climate. For commuters who daily travel on Ticino's major highways, such as the A2, it is crucial to understand that ozone is not a pollutant directly emitted by a single source, but rather forms through complex photochemical processes involving nitrogen oxides and solar radiation. While vehicle traffic contributes to the formation of ozone precursors, it is not the sole culprit, as natural vegetation also plays a role in the ozone formation cycle. Expert Ivan Maffioli has emphasized that the current legal limit of a single exceedance per year is considered unrealistic in light of climate change, as ozone can also form through natural, uncontrollable processes. Many commuters wonder if ozone exceedances could lead to traffic restrictions, such as reduced speed limits (80 km/h) on Ticino's highways. The conditions for implementing such measures are extremely stringent and require the exceedance of the alert threshold of 240 micrograms per cubic meter for at least three consecutive hours at two different monitoring stations, along with stable meteorological forecasts indicating the persistence of the critical situation. At present, these conditions appear unlikely, offering a relative stability for those who commute daily to work. The situation is part of a historical monitoring tradition in Switzerland, dating back to the measurements made by Professor Paul Götz at Arosa, which have allowed the development of exceptional technical expertise in atmospheric monitoring. To explore the impact of transportation costs on commuting, it is recommended to consult the calculator for optimal management of personal expenses.

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Key points

For those who work in Switzerland, it is crucial to stay informed about air quality conditions and any allergens that may affect respiratory health or traffic. Although there are no immediate restrictions related to ozone that would change travel habits, awareness of environmental dynamics is an integral part of the life of those living and working in the Canton Ticino. Air quality is a parameter constantly monitored by the cantonal authorities, and although legal limits are often exceeded, the long-term trend shows a decrease in the most dangerous peaks, thanks to the improvement of industrial filtration technologies and the evolution of vehicle exhaust systems.

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Source: rsi.ch