Air pollution in Sarajevo, reduce time spent outdoors

(Patria) - Based on this morning's measurements by the Public Health Institute of Sarajevo Canton, the air quality situation shows minor differences by location. While Vijećnica and Ilijaš are in the good category, other locations record slightly higher air quality index values, including polluted air at the Otoka location (Novi Grad).

Until the end of the day, according to available online prognostic models and based on the official weather forecast
of the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute (FHMZ), which predicts fog and low cloud cover with a light north and northwest wind at a speed of 1 to 2 m/s with the presence of temperature inversion in the morning and evening hours, stagnation of conditions is expected with a slight increase in pollutant concentrations towards the end of the day.

Health recommendations: At locations where the air is indexed as polluted, heavily polluted, and extremely polluted, it is recommended for:

• Sensitive population (children, pregnant women, elderly, and chronically ill): reduce time spent outdoors, and if the air is indexed as heavily or extremely polluted, stay indoors with a low level of activity.

• General population: reduce outdoor activities, and in case of extremely polluted air, stay indoors.

• Outdoor workers: due to the duration of exposure to air pollutants, limit intense activities and use masks with FFP2, FFP3 protective respiratory filters.

If going out is necessary, wearing masks with FFP2, FFP3 protective respiratory filters is recommended.
Masks are intended for short-term wear only and do not provide complete protection from air pollutants.