Sarajevo: Air quality deteriorates, reduce time spent outdoors

The Operational Staff for the Implementation of the Intervention Measures Plan in Cases of Excessive Air Pollution in Sarajevo Canton will make timely decisions on the adoption of other measures defined by the Plan, Patria reports.

The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection of Sarajevo Canton informs the public that due to current meteorological conditions, air quality has deteriorated in terms of particulate matter (PM10) concentration, while other measured pollutants (sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) are within the limits of allowed values, according to valid regulations.

The forecast of the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute for the next three days indicates that the weather situation, characterized by a lack of precipitation, occasional moderate north wind, and a slight temperature inversion, could contribute to further accumulation of pollutants in the air.

Namely, the results of measurements at automatic stations show an increase in the concentration of PM10 particulate matter on 01.12.2016, so the average value for the last 24 hours at the Vijećnica measuring station is 99 µg/m3, at Otoka 129 µg/m3, Ilidža 125 µg/m3, and Bjelave 113 µg/m3. Monitored parameters during today indicate a slight downward trend, but fluctuations in values are still expected.

For the reasons mentioned, citizens are advised to reduce their movement and time spent outdoors as much as possible in the early morning and evening hours when an increase in dust particles in the air is recorded.

These recommendations particularly apply to pregnant women, the elderly, preschool children, and chronically ill individuals. Detailed information can be found on the website of the Public Health Institute of Sarajevo Canton (www.zzjzks.ba).

At the same time, drivers are urged to reduce the use of private cars if possible, and residents to use public transport as much as possible. Furthermore, the warning is reiterated that any burning of waste is punishable, and if such illegal activity is observed, the competent municipal and cantonal inspectorates should be notified.

In addition, citizens and legal entities are called upon to ensure regular maintenance of boiler rooms and chimney cleaning, as well as the quality of fuels they use, and to take all necessary technically feasible measures to reduce emissions into the air.

Due to this situation, the analysis and continuous monitoring of air quality continue through automatic monitoring stations, which have been back in optimal operation since Monday, November 28, after the existing problems with equipment procurement and servicing were resolved.

All interested parties can view the results on the website www.air-monitoring.ba. If the situation further deteriorates, the Operational Staff for the Implementation of the Intervention Measures Plan in Cases of Excessive Air Pollution in Sarajevo Canton will make timely decisions on the adoption of other measures defined by the Plan and inform the public accordingly.