Air polluted in larger BiH cities for two weeks: Avoid spending time outdoors

In the past few days, according to data from monitoring stations in the Federation of BiH, concentrations of pollutants have been on the rise, which is in line with the stable atmospheric situation. Air in Tuzla, Zenica, and Lukavac is characterized by high concentrations of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter in the air, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

High concentrations of sulfur dioxide were not measured in Sarajevo, but particulate matter was.

After several consecutive days with increasing concentrations of pollutants in the air, there has been a stagnation in the deterioration of air quality, and in some places, a decrease in concentrations.

At monitoring sites in the Tuzla Canton yesterday, there was a decrease in the concentrations of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter in the air. The daily limit value for sulfur dioxide was exceeded at only one monitoring site, while the concentrations of particulate matter in the air are also decreasing but remain high.

In Zenica, this decrease in concentrations is negligible compared to previous days, while the situation in Sarajevo is unchanged.

The measured values of polluting parameters are far lower than those we expect during December and January, however, the CURRENT SITUATION IS UNHEALTHY because it has been ongoing for almost two weeks.

Recommendation: Elderly people, children, and people with respiratory problems such as asthma should avoid exertion outdoors.

The highest values of pollutants appear during the night and early morning hours. During the day, the sun's rays manage to penetrate the fog and thus heat the valley floors, which causes weaker convective currents and a slight decrease in pollutant concentrations.

Such an atmospheric situation is expected in the coming days, which will cause a similar air quality situation until the atmosphere destabilizes, accompanied by wind and/or precipitation.

The current situation is not suitable for people with respiratory difficulties, and particularly sensitive individuals should avoid prolonged stays outdoors.

The main sources of air pollution in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina are: households and other facilities heated by solid fuels, industrial plants, thermal power plants, and traffic.