Polluted air in Sarajevo, wear protective masks with filters if possible

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The air quality index in Sarajevo at 2 PM was 166 at the Otoka measuring station. At the US Embassy measuring station it was 156, and at Vijećnica 153.

When the air is unhealthy, it is possible for symptoms and the intensity of diseases in people with heart and respiratory diseases, such as asthma, to worsen.

"Everyone else could start to feel the negative impact of pollution on their health. The following groups should reduce any outdoor physical activities: people with lung and heart conditions, pregnant women, children, and the elderly. Prolonged or greater exertion during outdoor stays should also be avoided by everyone else," according to the Ekoakcija website.

Due to air pollution, a state of alert is in effect, and the cantonal government today appealed to citizens not to use pyrotechnics that contribute to air pollution. 

Otherwise, numerous tourists are staying in Sarajevo, who used the sunny last day of 2021 for a walk, lunch, and getting to know the beauties of Sarajevo and its Baščaršija alleys.

However, a sunny day does not mean the air is clean. 

Fluctuations in air quality are possible in the coming days, which is why the Public Health Institute of Sarajevo Canton recommends extremely sensitive population groups, especially those who do not use therapy correctly and on time, who are chronic lung and/or heart patients, and people prone to severe allergic reactions, to reduce prolonged and strenuous physical exertion, especially in the morning and evening hours when the concentrations of pollutants in the air are highest.

If they plan to stay outdoors in the city zone, especially in the Otoka, Ilijaš, and Ilidža areas, this institute recommends they wear a face mask with protective respiratory filters.