"Warning" Episode Declared in Sarajevo Canton Due to Air Pollution

(Patria) - At the proposal of the Expert Body, the Ministry of Communal Economy, Infrastructure, Spatial Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection of Sarajevo Canton declared the "Warning" episode today for the Sarajevo Canton area, with the application of intervention measures due to air pollution.

Stable weather conditions have contributed to a continuous increase in polluting PM10 matter, and during the past 24 hours, the measured values of this pollutant at most cantonal measuring stations have exceeded the Warning threshold of 90 µg/m3. Considering that hourly measurements of this pollutant show a significant increase at all measuring locations, and considering the forecasted meteorological conditions that will be unfavorable for the Sarajevo basin, a proposal has been made to declare the Warning episode in all zones of the Sarajevo Canton.

An increase in SO2 concentrations in the air is also recorded throughout the Canton, due to long-range transport from the north.

Health recommendations for people with chronic lung and heart diseases, as well as those prone to severe allergic reactions, the elderly population, chronically stable patients, pregnant women, and young children are to avoid spending time outdoors.

The current synoptic situation, with a pronounced temperature inversion in the morning and evening hours, is expected in the coming days. In such a forecasted scenario, vertical circulation of air masses and thus ventilation in the Sarajevo basin is prevented, it was explained.

The Expert Body continuously monitors the situation, as well as data from the cantonal network of measuring stations, and will continue to inform the public about the air quality in the Sarajevo Canton.