Due to increased concentrations of pollutants in the air, "Alert" declared in the Sarajevo Canton

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The expert body for coordination and supervision of the implementation of the Plan of intervention measures in cases of excessive air pollution declares an episode of "Alert" in all zones in the area of the Sarajevo Canton where the Plan is applied, due to increased concentrations of pollutants in the air.

Measurements of pollutant concentrations in the air in the Canton area yesterday recorded a significant increase in average daily concentrations of particulate matter in the air - PM10, predicted for the declared episode (50 µg/m3), at the stations: Otoka 109 and Ilijaš 124 µg/m3. The trend of significant deterioration in air quality continued during the day, so today at 2:00 PM in the Otoka settlement 191 was measured, and in Ilijaš 254 µg/m3, the statement from the Press Service of the Sarajevo Canton says.

At the same time, according to the weather forecast of the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute in Sarajevo, stable weather is expected in the next three days, without precipitation and wind, with the occurrence of temperature inversion.

Taking into account the fact that the weather situation indicates that a significantly faster accumulation of pollutants in the air is expected from this evening, as well as a deterioration from the aspect of air quality, in the coming days the declaration of other episodes proposed by the Plan of intervention measures is expected.

Until that happens, it is necessary to implement the following measures within the "Alert" episode: - in zone A – in the municipalities of Stari Grad, Centar, Novi Grad, Novo Sarajevo and Ilidža - below 700 meters
above sea level, a ban on the movement of cars and trucks whose diesel engines have EURO1 standard or lower, with enhanced inspections by inspection authorities and assistance from the Ministry of Interior,
- in all zones, intensification of cleaning and washing of roads with the application of the wet method using calcium chloride, - strengthening of inspection supervision over construction sites, - reduction of temperature by a minimum of 2°C at all thermal energy production facilities on the List of legal and natural persons using solid fuels and heavy fuel oil for heating rooms, with a recommendation for a possible switch to natural gas or electricity, where technical possibilities exist, - maximum increase in the capacity of public city transport vehicles that do not pollute the environment, - calling on legal entities to, depending on their capabilities, shift the start of working hours in order to relieve the capacity of public city transport and city roads.

The expert body sends a warning to the population of the Canton not to further contribute to air pollution through their behavior and activities, and reminds them that any burning of waste in households is punishable.

They invite everyone, in case of suspicion of such prohibited actions, to report them to the eco-phone number 033/660-000 or the phone of the Cantonal Operational Center for Civil Protection at number 121.

They also appeal to the population to reduce the use of motor vehicles and increase the use of public city transport, which during the New Year holidays, according to the decision of the Government of the Sarajevo Canton, is free for all citizens. 

The Institute for Public Health of the Sarajevo Canton recommends that residents minimize movement and time spent outdoors during the next two days, as a further significant increase in PM10 concentrations is expected, which can adversely affect even the healthy population. A special appeal is addressed to at-risk groups of the population, including the elderly, young children and pregnant women, patients (lung, heart) and patients prone to allergies, to reduce outdoor activities as much as their possibilities allow, as existing chronic conditions may worsen.

More information on self-protection measures can be found by citizens in the attachment: "Health recommendations for at-risk groups of the population in case of increased concentrations of pollutants in the air in the Sarajevo Canton", at the link: https://mz.ks.gov.ba/sites/mz.ks.gov.ba/files/zdravstvene-preporuke-povecana-koncentracija-zag.materija.pdf.

The latest information as well as measured values of monitored pollutants related to air quality can be followed on the page http://kvalitetzraka.ba.