The frosty weather caused the heating season to begin. In places, air quality standards are exceeded. On Saturday, smog hung over the Poznań district. An RCB alert was sent to its residents.
When the air temperature in Poland drops below zero, the heating season begins. And with it comes and smog. On Saturday, due to poor air quality, the Government Security Center sent an SMS alert to people staying in the Poznań district in the Greater Poland Voivodeship.
On Sunday afternoon, the worst air quality in terms of PM10 dust, described as unhealthy, was in Dębica in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The measurement station there showed the concentration of harmful particles in the air at 75 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). Air of average quality was breathed in Tarnów in the Małopolskie Voivodeship, where 64 µg/m3 was recorded.
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.
Main photo source: TVN24