Death downwind

European emissions affect North Africa, Middle East

Pollutants generated by human activity in Europe significantly boost ozone concentrations downwind, adversely affecting human health and causing thousands of premature deaths, a new study suggests.

The strong sunshine around the Mediterranean accelerates the chemical reactions that transform various industrial and vehicular emissions into ozone. When emissions generated in Europe are added to those produced locally in North Africa, the Near East and the Middle East, pollution levels can easily reach those considered unhealthy by European health standards, says Bryan N.