24 November 2016
24.11.2016- The weather, which over the past week has affected Kosovo, especially its central part, has also influenced air quality. As you have been informed through the Hydrometeorological Institute of Kosovo, during these days in Prishtina and in central Kosovo, the weather has been characterized by dense fog, high air humidity, and absence of wind.
In addition, during this time, the amount of pollutant emissions into the air has also increased, such as those from industry, transport, and the consumption of solid fuels used for collective central heating and individual heating.
As a result of this situation, a smog condition has developed, which is characteristic of the winter season, especially for the months of November, December, and January. Under these conditions, it has been observed that the concentration of some air quality parameters, such as PM10, has been higher, which has influenced that the air quality in Prishtina and in the central area of Kosovo is not satisfactory. From the analysis of the results obtained from the automatic air quality monitoring, it has been observed that during the monitoring period, for the last two weeks, exceedances of the daily limit values for PM10 were recorded. Six days (cases) with exceedances of the daily limit values were recorded. Meanwhile, during one year, 35 days with exceedances of the daily limit values are allowed.
According to data from online reports of the countries in the region and those of the European Union, exceedances of the PM 10 parameter have also been recorded in other centers in the region and Europe, such as in Skopje, Tirana, Niš, Sarajevo, Istanbul, Vienna, Warsaw, and other centers. In such a situation, it is recommended that sensitive categories, especially people with respiratory organ problems, do not stay long in such environments. It is also advised that everyone reduce unnecessary vehicle movements, especially in areas frequented by pedestrians.