Abstract
Tropospheric ozone poses a critical threat for human health as well as for vegetation. In the context of the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) concentration-based and stomatal flux-based critical levels for vegetation were defined above which direct adverse effects on sensitive vegetation may occur according to present knowledge. While concentration-based critical levels are suitable for estimating the risk of damage only, flux-based critical levels and the associated response functions could be used for assessing economic losses. If the flux-based critical levels are exceeded the corresponding receptor is at risk. In accordance with the meaning of Article 2 of the European Council Directive 2008/50/EC for wheat a target value is suggested by the working group NA 134-03-03-02 "Effects of Air Pollutants on Vegetation" of the Commission on Air Pollution Prevention of VDI and DIN - Standards Committee KRdL. Relative yield losses should be related to this target value and the use of a three colour scale (traffic lights) is recommended to indicate and communicate the degree of risk for ozone damage.
Translated title of the contribution | Environmental assessment levels for ozone effects on vegetation |
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Original language | German |
Pages (from-to) | 79-89 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Gefahrstoffe Reinhaltung der Luft |
Volume | 71 |
Issue number | 3 |
State | Published - Mar 2011 |