The government will select areas with concentrated emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds from May to August, the period of high ozone levels, as "intensive management zones" and strengthen joint special inspections with local governments.
The total management of the air pollution cap system for nitrogen oxide-emitting business sites, such as power plants and steel mills, will also be strengthened.
The Ministry of Environment noted on the 30th that it will promote the "summer ozone intensive management plan" to reduce ozone precursor substances (nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds) as much as possible, prioritizing the protection of public health during periods of high ozone levels.
Ozone is created through the photochemical reaction between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with sunlight (ultraviolet rays). High concentrations of ozone mainly occur during afternoon hours (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) from May to August when sunlight is strong.
Repeated exposure to high concentrations of ozone can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and respiratory system, and can particularly have more sensitive effects on vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory diseases.
The government plans to designate intensive management zones centered around areas with concentrated emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, as well as regions with high ozone levels. It will designate target facilities and priority reduction substances and will conduct special inspections using advanced monitoring equipment (vehicles, drones, etc.) in cooperation with local governments.
For nitrogen oxide-emitting business sites (about 1,200 sites in power, steel, petrochemical, etc.), the total management of the air pollution cap system will be strengthened. The emission allowance for these business sites for this year (2025) is 186,000 tons, which is about a 3.4% reduction compared to the previous year (2024).
A regional consultative body involving local governments, experts, and corporations will be operated centered around regional environmental offices to select target areas, facilities, and substances, promote voluntary agreements, improve processes, and conduct public relations activities.
In areas where ozone alerts are frequently issued, inspections on nitrogen oxide-emitting business sites, facilities that emit large amounts of volatile organic compounds, and establishments involved in the manufacture, import, and sale of paints will be strengthened.
For operating vehicles, on-site inspections using emissions measurement equipment and enforcement cameras will be conducted, focusing on bus terminals and parking lots for intensive idling inspections.
The early retirement support project for vehicles rated 4 and 5 will also be expanded from its existing focus on diesel vehicles to include gasoline and gas vehicles.
Oh Yung, the Air Quality Policy Director at the Ministry of Environment, said, "From May to August, when the sunlight is strong and temperatures rise, is a time when high concentrations of ozone can occur at any time," adding, "We will make our best efforts to protect public health by systematically promoting intensive management of ozone precursor substances such as nitrogen oxides along with ongoing reduction measures."