The importance of air quality in human biometeorology

Abstract

Often we encounter a misunderstanding based on the assertion that the criterion of air quality is excluded from studies into meteorology and climatology. In contrast to this, it must be stressed that the admixtures and pollutants pertaining to air quality criteria belong to the atmosphere and therefore, of course, to the field of meteorology, and due to their possible effects also to human biometeorology. A normal weather forecast should include data concerning the concentrations of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and other substances. Biometeorological weather classifications should also include mention of air quality rather more than previously. For instance, the classification after Bucher used in Germany is referred to and supplemented with respect to air quality. Analogous relationships hold true for the global classification of climates. As an example, the well-known classification after Koeppen is supplemented according to air quality.