Institute for Public Health of the Sarajevo Canton: You can wear masks, but they do not provide complete protection against pollutants

(Patria) - The air in all parts of the Sarajevo Canton has been assessed as extremely polluted (average PM2.5 and PM10 particle levels in the last 24 hours). The current synoptic forecast according to reports from the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute indicates stable weather with fog, accompanied by weak winds and temperature inversions in the morning and evening hours, which will consequently have an adverse effect on air quality in the coming days.

Health recommendations for citizens of the Sarajevo Canton are to avoid all types of outdoor activities and stay indoors, with the note that the importance of good indoor air quality should not be forgotten. We emphasize that concentrations of air pollutants are highest during the morning and evening hours.

Health recommendations particularly apply to individuals who do not use therapy correctly and on time, and are chronic lung and/or heart patients, persons prone to severe allergic reactions, and sensitive population categories (elderly, stable chronic patients, pregnant women, young children). Exposure to high concentrations of air pollutants in all population categories can cause health problems, while in sensitive populations and untreated chronic patients it can seriously worsen their health condition.

Workers who spend extended periods outdoors are recommended to wear face masks with protective respiratory filters FFP2, FFP3 (American designation N95 and N99). Also, if citizens plan to be outdoors or outdoor stays are necessary, it is recommended that they must wear the aforementioned masks.

We note that masks are intended only for short-term wear and do not provide complete protection against air pollutants.

If citizens' means allow, staying in the mountains surrounding the City is certainly recommended.

A standing recommendation to citizens is to follow official information on measured concentrations of air pollutants and weather forecasts through the media.