Air quality deteriorated in some parts of Poland on Wednesday evening. Check the situation in your area.
On Wednesday at 9 p.m., the worst quality in terms of PM10 dust was in Radzyń Podlaski, where the concentration of harmful particles in the air was 84 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), which means 140 percent of the daily norm. Average air quality was also recorded in Nowy Targ – 81 µg/m3 (135% of the daily norm), w Lublin – 62 µg/m3 (103% of the daily norm), w Nowa Ruda – 61 µg/m3 (102% of the daily norm).
In terms of PM2.5 dust, air quality was also average in several cities. This Lublin – 57 µg/m3 (158% of the daily norm), Łuków – 49 µg/m3 (136% of the daily norm) i Włocławek – 46 µg/m3 (128% of the daily norm).
When the air quality is good
We talk about good quality air when the concentration of harmful dust does not exceed:
- in the case of PM10 dust – 60 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3);
- in the case of PM2.5 dust – 36 µg/m3;
- in the case of benzene – 10 µg/m3.
Sources of PM10 dust emissionsPolish 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 related, among other things, to the combustion processes 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 to 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 has low acute toxicity and high chronic toxicity, which is related to its ability to accumulate in the body.
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