Serious air pollution was recorded in Pljevlja during the night between December 13 and 14, after the warning threshold for sulfur dioxide (SO2) was exceeded, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced.
Based on data from an automatic air quality monitoring station, sulfur dioxide concentrations in the period from 23 p.m. on December 13 to one a.m. on December 14 were above the permitted threshold of 500 micrograms per cubic meter, which is prescribed as a three-hour average.
The Agency warns that this is an episode of air pollution that can have serious consequences for the health of the population, especially children, the elderly, pregnant women and chronically ill patients, especially those with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The situation, according to the latest measurements, did not improve during the morning.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, at both 9 am and 10 am on December 14, SO2 concentrations above 500 micrograms per cubic meter were measured, indicating a continuation of the high pollution episode.
"The measurements have confirmed that the episode of high concentrations of sulfur dioxide SO2 continues, because at nine and ten o'clock today, concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in ambient air above 500 micrograms per cubic meter were measured, so it is necessary to urgently implement the measures provided for in the Short-Term Action Plan for the Municipality of Pljevlja in the event of exceeding or risk of exceeding the warning threshold for sulfur(IV) oxide SO2," the Environmental Protection Agency said in a statement.
In accordance with the Short-Term Action Plan for the Municipality of Pljevlja, the Agency and the Institute of Public Health have issued a series of recommendations and warnings.
"Sensitive categories of the population are advised to immediately avoid being outdoors, while other citizens are recommended to reduce time and physical activity outdoors. It is also recommended to keep windows and doors closed, wherever possible. Citizens are invited to reduce the use of individual fireplaces, especially those burning solid fuels, as well as other activities that can further contribute to pollution. Economic entities with potential sulfur dioxide emissions are required to implement emission reduction measures provided for in the Short-Term Action Plan," the Environmental Protection Agency said in a press release.
The Environmental Protection Agency says that it is necessary to urgently implement all planned measures in order to reduce the risk to the health of citizens and mitigate the consequences of air pollution in Pljevlja.
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