Current scenario of ozone pollution and its influence on population health in China

Ozone (O3) is a secondary pollutant formed by photochemical reactions in the atmosphere, significantly contributing to air pollution, particularly in global cities and economically developed regions. The escalating O3 concentration has emerged as a critical air pollution concern in China. When near-surface O3 surpasses natural levels, it adversely impacts human health. Our understanding of O3 pollution remains limited, partly due to the delayed implementation of atmospheric O3 and its precursors' monitoring. Accordingly, utilizing observed data, this paper assesses the O3 levels in China over the past decade. We found that surface O3 concentrations had consistently risen since 2013, with the only decline noted in 2018. O3 pollution is particularly severe in economically developed areas such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and the Weihe Plain. Chronic exposure to O3 can negatively impact respiratory and cardiovascular systems. By introducing research findings related to O3 exposure and human health, we offer suggestions for future research on human health implications of surface O3 exposure. These findings underscore the importance of O3 as a focal point in China's future air quality policy and highlight the urgent necessity for stricter control of precursor emissions.