Basel Ozone Levels Exceed Threshold, Rank 3rd Highest in Past Year

August 16, 2025

On August 15, 2025, Basel experienced unusually high ozone levels, reaching 170.4 µg/m³, significantly exceeding the regulatory threshold and marking the third highest in the past year, while nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter levels remained within normal ranges. This atypical air quality event suggests potential health concerns and highlights the need for investigating sources and implementing mitigation strategies.

On August 15, 2025, the air quality in Basel was notably affected by elevated levels of ozone (O₃). The maximum concentration of ozone reached 170.4 µg/m³, which is significantly above the regulatory threshold of 120 µg/m³ set by the Luftreinhalte-Verordnung and marked an exceedance. This value ranks 3rd in the past 365 days, indicating a particularly high level for the year. The average ozone concentration was 108.7 µg/m³, also elevated compared to recent averages.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels were relatively low, with a maximum concentration of 27.8 µg/m³ and an average of 11.4 µg/m³, both well below the regulatory threshold of 80 µg/m³. These values are consistent with typical levels observed in Basel and do not indicate any exceedance.

Particulate matter (PM₁₀) concentrations were moderate, with a maximum of 46.8 µg/m³ and an average of 33.2 µg/m³. While these values are below the regulatory threshold of 50 µg/m³, the maximum concentration ranks 11th in the past 365 days, suggesting a relatively high level for the year.

Comparing these measurements with historical data since 2018, the current ozone levels are unusually high, with the maximum value approaching the historical maximum of 206.3 µg/m³ recorded on June 27, 2019. The nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter levels are within normal historical ranges, with no significant anomalies.

Overall, the air quality on August 15, 2025, was characterized by unusually high ozone concentrations, which were significantly above both recent and historical averages. This suggests an atypical air quality event, likely influenced by specific meteorological conditions or local emissions. The elevated ozone levels are of particular concern due to their potential health impacts, warranting attention to potential sources and mitigation strategies.


Table 1: Statistics for Air Quality Parameters on 2025-08-15
Constituent Average µg/m³ Maximum µg/m³ Standard Comments
NO2 8.5 31.2 80.0 daily average may not exceed standard
Ozone 73.7 171.1 120.0 maximum hourly average may exceed standard only one time per year
PM10 14.4 46.8 50.0 daily average may not exceed standard


Table 2: Statistics for Air Quality Parameters for the Month of August, since 2018
Constituent Average µg/m³ Max µg/m³ Exceedances
NO2 8.7 49.6 0
Ozone 70.2 192.4 84
PM10 11.4 162.7 0

Figure 1: NO2 Concentrations in Basel, last 90 Days

Figure 2: Ozone Concentrations in Basel in the last 90 Days

Figure 3: PM10 Concentrations of last 90 Days at Binningen/Basel

Data source: Luftqualität Station Basel-Binningen
Additional resources: Umweltbericht beider Basel, Luftqualität Nordwestschweiz

🤖 This text was generated with the assistance of AI. All quantitative statements are derived directly from the dataset listed under Data Source.