In mid April, in the Center of Warsaw, the permissible level of harmful substances was exceeded. The harmful substance is suspended dust PM10 (polluted particles with the diameter of up to 10 micrometers). The regional Inspectorate of Environmental Protection (Wojewódzki Inspektorat Ochrony Środowiska) warns that in near future the following substance levels will be exceeded as well: PM 2.5 (pollutants with the diameter of up to 2.5 micrometer), benzopyren and nitrogen dioxide. It will refer to the whole city of Warsaw and other towns and cities in the Mazowsze region. The reason behind exceeded levels of harmful substances is most of all coal and domestic waste used as heating fuel by individuals as well as vehicle transport.
The authorities of the Mazowsze region advise that pregnant women, children, seniors, allergy sufferers and people with blood circulation problems should act with due caution and limit the time they spend outdoor.
Tools that can counteract the phenomenon are in the hands of local governments. In order to reduce the emission of harmful substances we should count on: development and modernization of the public transport system, promotion of bus lanes and wet-cleaning of streets in spring and summer. Recommendations for citizens include reducing the frequency of making fire in the fireplace and restraining from field-burning.
This material has been published thanks to the financial support of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. The sole responsibility for its contents lies with Collegium Mazovia.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.