Warning: Wind from Sahara has polluted the air in Sarajevo

SARAJEVO, (Patra) - Indicators of pollutant measurements in the air in the Sarajevo Canton area record exceedances of PM 10 concentrations (allowed 50 μg/m 3 ) at all measuring stations. Conditions for the first "Alert" episode according to the provisions of the Intervention Measures Plan in cases of excessive pollution in the Sarajevo Canton have not been met, as there are no stable weather conditions.

Measured PM 10 concentration values for April 25 until 2:00 PM: semi-automatic station "Otoka" 81 μg/m3; automatic station "Vijećnica" 78 μg/m3; mobile station "Ilidža" 78 μg/m3; automatic station "Ilijaš" 92 μg/m3; automatic station "Ivan Sedlo" 92 μg/m3; automatic station "Ilidža" 184 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter).

The cause of the high dust concentrations is the wind from the Sahara, which carries dust particles over long distances, announced the Press Service of the Sarajevo Canton.

Although remote dust transport was present these days as well, no significant increase in PM 10 suspended particle concentrations in the air in the Sarajevo Canton has been recorded to date.

We can expect the situation with increased concentrations of this pollutant as a consequence of a natural phenomenon to continue for the next couple of days.

Recommendations for citizens are to reduce outdoor activities and exposure as much as possible during periods of elevated dust concentrations today, as well as in the next few days.

The recommendations particularly apply to pregnant women, the elderly, preschool children, and chronically ill patients.

Citizens, especially those with respiratory problems, are urged to reduce their movement, as exposure to this type of dust can lead to further deterioration of their health condition.

The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection and the Public Health Institute of the Sarajevo Canton will continue to conduct continuous measurements and inform citizens about any potential changes.