Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been declared the most polluted capital city in the world. The city's air quality has deteriorated sharply with the onset of cold weather. The reason lies not only in car exhaust but also in outdated heating systems that use poor-quality wood and coal.
According to pulmonological studies, during cold, windless weather, the content of harmful particles in Sarajevo's air masses is so high that the air quality index exceeds permissible norms by 4 times. According to the AQI+ indicator, air pollution in the Bosnian capital reached a record level of 442 points.
In late November, a huge amount of PM2.5 particles (less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) was also recorded in the air of Sarajevo - 206 units. This is 26 times higher than the norm recommended by the World Health Organization. The situation is dangerous because PM2.5 particles penetrate the lungs, causing serious diseases.
Suspended fine particles PM10 also pose a danger to humans. Their concentration in Sarajevo reached a level of 284 micrograms per cubic meter, which is almost 6 times higher than the recommended values.
"All measuring stations in the Canton of Sarajevo have recorded an increase in the concentration of PM 10 pollutants, and the announced weather conditions will contribute to a deterioration in air quality in the coming days," ecologists said.
All these "records" have brought the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina the dubious status of the dirtiest capital in the world. And the government of the Canton of Sarajevo was forced to warn the population and recommend that people avoid physical exertion outdoors. At least until the weather conditions change.
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