The smog problem returns every year with the advent of colder temperatures. Although we have been hearing about this phenomenon for years, Poles’ awareness of the harmfulness of environmental pollution is still low. Therefore, on the initiative of the Ministry of Health, as part of the National Health Program for 2016-2020, the project “Time for clean air” was created.
How is smog created?
The emission of pollutants into the atmosphere, as well as unfavorable weather conditions, such as no wind, fog, low air temperature, and thermal inversion contribute to the formation of smog. Smog consists mainly of particulate matter. In Poland, it is permissible to exceed, for 35 days a year, the average household air pollution with PM10 dust at the level of 50 μg / m3. In case of contamination at the level of 200 μg / m3 Voivodship Crisis Management Teams should warn residents of the threat. However, the contamination exceeding 300 μg / m3 results in taking preventive measures and announcing a smog alarm.
Also read: Every year, it silently kills 45 Poles
A study by Kantor Public conducted in 2017 shows that most Poles believe that car exhaust fumes and industrial plants are the main perpetrators of bad air condition. Meanwhile, in fact, air pollution is mainly caused by combustion processes outside industry (mainly in households). Although the 2018 CBOS survey shows an improvement in the perception of air pollution sources, the knowledge of Poles is still not satisfactory.
“Time for clean air”
The organizers of the “Time for clean air” campaign decided to improve public awareness of the impact of air pollution on health and the natural environment. Journalists, teachers, doctors and leaders of non-governmental organizations, representatives of selected offices and institutions through which it is possible to reach the majority of society, i.e. representatives of key professional and social groups, were invited to co-implement the project. The project started on September 6, 2017 and since then there have been organized, inter alia, conferences, educational workshops and special sessions for journalists – Quo Vadis Medicina, Polish woman in Europe and Medicinaria. Additionally, numerous materials and initiatives have been prepared for the above-mentioned groups, including e-learning courses:
- for doctors: The impact of air pollution on human health – can air kill? What are air pollutants and where do they come from?
- for teachers: The impact of air pollution on human health – can air kill? Youth education as an opportunity to change the atmosphere
- for NGO leaders and officials: The impact of air pollution on human health – can air kill? What are air pollutants and where do they come from?