According to measurements at 5:00 p.m., the air quality in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, is dangerous for the population. The measured quality index was 305, while the measured value of PM10 particles was 276.
It warns of possible serious consequences for the entire population. During your stay outside, you should avoid any exertion. The most vulnerable categories of the population: pregnant women, the elderly and children, people with respiratory and heart problems, would have to stay indoors.
PM10 particles mainly contain iron, aluminum and silicates, and are primarily caused by the burning of solid fuels and exhaust gases from cars and industry.
Their average limit value during 24 hours is 50 micrograms (μg/m3) per cubic meter, and anything above that means that the air quality is worse and can start to affect health.
In addition to Sarajevo, the air quality in the area of Ilijaš and Travnik has particularly deteriorated, where the air is also very unhealthy. In Travnik, the air quality index at 5:00 p.m. was 261, and in the Ilijaš area it was 211.
People with respiratory diseases such as asthma are warned of possible significant increases in symptoms and intensity of the disease. The likelihood of negative consequences for the respiratory organs of the entire population has increased.
Sufferers of lung diseases and heart disease, pregnant women, children and the elderly, should avoid any outdoor activities. Everyone else should also avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities.
Air quality data in BiH is collected from official measuring stations, some of which are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute of BiH, the Institute of Public Health of the Sarajevo Canton, some under the jurisdiction of the Tuzla Canton and the American Embassy in BiH, and are collected and published by a non-governmental organization. the Eco Action organization on its website.
The Air Quality Index is based on measurements of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. PM2.5 or fine particles are the ones that are much more dangerous because they are smaller than 2.5 micrometers or microns (μg) and can penetrate the body more easily and deeply.
They are produced by the combustion of fossil fuels (exhaust gases from cars, heating with wood or coal, etc.), and consist mainly of sulfates, nitrates, ammonia, organic and elemental carbon, heavy metals such as lead, manganese, copper, cadmium, zinc, nickel, vanadium and chromium.
