Refrain from staying outdoors, air quality unhealthy

The air quality index at 9 a.m. this morning in Sarajevo is 154, classified as unhealthy, according to data from ekoakcija.org, reports the Bosnian news agency Patria.

- Possible occurrence of intensified symptoms in patients with lung diseases, such as asthma, as well as the occurrence of consequences for the respiratory organs in the entire population - it is stated.

People who should reduce their time outdoors are those suffering from lung or heart diseases, pregnant women, children, and the elderly. All others should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion while outdoors.

In the Sarajevo Canton, a state of readiness due to pollution is still in effect.

- This episode orders all legal and natural persons of the Sarajevo Canton to act in accordance with the measures prescribed in the Plan of Intervention Measures for the Sarajevo Canton, as well as according to the Internal Plans in cases of excessive air pollution in the Sarajevo Canton.

On this occasion, we remind that the prescribed measures for the READINESS episode include, among others, recommending reduced movement, especially during the morning and evening hours, for at-risk categories of the population, which include people with cardiovascular diseases, obstructions of the respiratory system, convalescents, preschool children, and the elderly and pregnant women. An appeal is also made to drivers to reduce the use of personal vehicles to the minimum possible, which especially applies to owners of older vehicles that have a much higher emission of harmful substances into the environment. One of the measures is that all vehicles that visibly emit larger amounts of smoke and soot will be sent for an extraordinary technical inspection. Likewise, it is noted that any burning of waste in households is punishable, and a call is made that, in case of suspicion, such unauthorized actions be reported to the competent municipal and cantonal inspections, the Eco phone at number 033/660-000 or the phone of the Cantonal Operational Civil Protection Headquarters at number 121. This episode requires that public utility companies "Rad" and "Park", as well as all other entities working on cleaning roads and other public surfaces, intensify their daily activities. The population of the Canton is also called upon not to further contribute to air pollution through their behavior and activities. By the last measure, within the READINESS episode, a call is made to all legal entities, owners and users of boiler rooms or furnaces to take all technically feasible measures necessary to reduce emissions, including cleaning all flue gas installations, and to postpone, if necessary, all activities that could lead to a deterioration of air quality.