NSW Health advises that the high temperatures forecast for this week are expected to contribute to high ozone air pollution across Sydney in the coming days.

Dr Richard Broome, Director of Environmental Health, said that “ozone can irritate the lungs, and that people with asthma need to follow their Asthma Action Plan and have their relieving medication with them.”

“Ozone levels are higher outdoors than indoors, and generally highest in the afternoon and early evening, so limiting time outdoors during the heat of the day and in the evening helps people to not only keep cool but to limit their exposure to ozone pollution,” Dr Broome said.

“People with asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are especially vulnerable to the health effects of ozone,” he said.

“Anyone experiencing severe respiratory distress should seek immediate medical help.”

More information can be found at Ozone.