RCB alert against smog. On Wednesday morning, residents of several regions received a text message about exceeded air quality standards. Check the smog situation in your city.
The Government Security Center sent its SMS on Wednesday morning RCB alert. The reason for the announcement is smog. Its content read “ATTENTION! On March 1, poor air quality is forecast in terms of particulate matter PM10 (SMOG). Resign from outdoor activities.”
Alert text messages were received by recipients residing in the following poviats:
– Poznań (Greater Poland Voivodeship);
– of radomsko (Łódź Voivodeship);
– Starachowice (Świętokrzyskie Province).
When the air is of good quality
We talk about good quality air when the concentration of harmful dust does not exceed:
– for PM10 dust – 60 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3);
– in the case of PM2.5 dust – 36 µg/m3;
– for benzene – 10 µg/m3.
Sources of PM10 dust emissionPolish Smog Alert
What is PM10
PM10 is a mixture of particles suspended in the air with a diameter not exceeding 10 micrometers. Its occurrence is associated, among others, with the combustion of solid and liquid fuels.
What is PM2.5
PM2.5 is a mixture of particles suspended in the air with a diameter not exceeding 2.5 micrometers. According to the World Health Organization, it is the most harmful atmospheric pollutant for humans. It reaches not only the respiratory system, but also the circulatory system. It stays in our body much longer.
What is benzene
Benzo(a)pyrene is a carcinogenic and mutagenic chemical compound that is a representative of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Benzo(a)pyrene exhibits low acute toxicity and high chronic toxicity, which is related to its ability to accumulate in the body.
Impact of air pollution on healthMaria Samczuk, Adam Ziemienowicz/PAP
What is an RCB Alert
Alert RCB is an SMS alert system against threats. You do not need to sign up for the RCB alert. People who find themselves in the area of a potential life-threatening crisis situation will receive a short text message (SMS) on their mobile phone with information on the type of threat along with the location, as well as the source of the alert. It doesn’t matter which operator we have a contract with
The amendment to the Telecommunications Law and some other acts of June 11, 2018 requires all operators to immediately send a message to all users in the area specified by the RCB director. Messages are issued only in exceptional situations that may actually threaten human life and health.
Main photo source: Shutterstock/RCB