The Tres Cantos City Council has issued a series of recommendations in light of the ozone pollution episode affecting the area. It is advised to avoid physical exertion outdoors and to carry out outdoor activities during the morning.
The Tres Cantos City Council published a series of recommendations for the population on Friday in response to the ozone pollution episode currently being recorded in the Community of Madrid. The council, following the guidelines of the regional administration, urges residents to take extra precautions while the episode lasts.
The main measure is to avoid physical exertion outdoors, especially for individuals considered sensitive to ozone, which includes children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. It is also recommended to carry out outdoor activities during the morning hours, when levels of this pollutant are usually lower.
Tropospheric ozone forms from the reaction of other pollutants with sunlight, so its highest concentrations typically occur during the central hours of the day and in the summer months. This episode coincides with the heatwave affecting the region, which exacerbates the situation.
The Tres Cantos City Council reminds residents that if symptoms such as eye irritation, headaches, coughing, throat discomfort, or chest pain when breathing deeply occur, they should visit a healthcare centre. Difficulty breathing or wheezing in asthmatic individuals are warning signs that should not be overlooked.
Health authorities insist that the general population may notice a decrease in physical capacity during these episodes, so it is advised to moderate exercise intensity and opt for indoor activities whenever possible. For those who must go outside, it is recommended to do so early in the day.
The Tres Cantos City Council has set up an information channel through the Air Quality application of the Community of Madrid, which allows real-time consultation of ozone levels and other pollutants in the municipality. The application is available for free and can be downloaded from the link provided by the council.
Such ozone alerts have been repeated in recent summers in the Community of Madrid, especially in municipalities along the Henares corridor and the northern area, where the combination of high temperatures and traffic increases concentrations. In Tres Cantos, proximity to the A-1 and M-40 contributes to the recording of occasional peaks.
Local authorities are asking for citizen cooperation and remind that, in addition to protecting health, these measures help reduce emissions that cause ozone. It is recommended to use public transport, carpool, or avoid unnecessary car trips during days of higher pollution.
The episode will persist as long as adverse weather conditions continue, according to municipal sources. The situation is expected to improve over the weekend, but in the meantime, residents of Tres Cantos should follow the guidelines and stay alert to official channels.
For any questions, the City Council reminds that residents can contact the reference health centre or call 112 in case of a respiratory emergency. Prevention is key to avoiding complications, especially in the most vulnerable groups.
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