Since Tuesday, the air in the eastern regions of Poland shows an increased level of pollution. The concentration of PM10 dust has exceeded the alarm level. It is still unknown what exactly is causing the increase in dust. – In the tested air, compounds were found that came from burning anything. Such compounds are released, for example, from burning wood, they have a suffocating and irritating effect – says the drug. Eryk Matuszkiewicz, specialist in clinical toxicology.
- On Tuesday and Wednesday, residents of eastern provinces received RCB alerts telling about the increase in air pollution
- People with respiratory illnesses will feel worse, while others will feel irritated and experience allergic symptoms. Longer walks in the fresh air are not recommended for the sick, children or the elderly, says toxicologist Eryk Matuszkiewicz
- There is nothing to worry about. Let’s behave as with standard smog alerts, wait for the development of accidents and follow the recommendations – adds the expert
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Poor air quality in eastern Poland
On Tuesday, air quality monitoring stations in eastern Poland recorded high concentrations of PM10 particulate matter. Inhabitants of eastern provinces received GCB alerts about poor air quality.
The Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection informed that “The reason for the increased concentrations of particulate matter is the inflow of air masses from Eastern Europe, which reach over the eastern part of Poland to the Lubelskie and Podlaskie voivodships, as well as to the northern areas of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship and the eastern part of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship”.
We asked the toxicologist Dr. Eryk Matuszkiewicz.
– I can’t tell what’s inside and what the reason is. That would have to be said by someone who researched it. It is said that fires in Eastern Europe may be the cause, but the question is what’s on fire. If these are products of combustion, they always have an irritating effect. They cause lacrimation, sneezing, red eyes, and difficulty breathing. These ailments will be more acute for people who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, says the toxicologist.
– Secondly, the intensity of the symptoms depends on the concentration of these compounds. Third, it depends primarily on the composition. I can say that much. PM 10 media are 10 microns, quite small, that can enter the respiratory tract. Theoretically, there may also be carcinogenic compounds, but theoretically – he adds.
Matuszkiewicz emphasizes that the compounds found in the air flowing into Poland from the east suggest that it is a combustion effect, but it is not known what.
– In one article it says that there is carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, benzenes. So these are compounds that come from burning anything. Such compounds are released, for example, from burning wood, they have a suffocating and irritating effect – he explains.
There is nothing to worry about
As Matuszkiewicz points out, the key question in this case is whether the air pollution in eastern Poland is greater than usual. – Because perhaps it is a cloud related not only to burning forests or grasses, but also information about military operations in Ukraine has appeared – he emphasizes.
According to the toxicologist, there is no need to worry, we should react as in the case of standard alerts regarding increased air pollution.
– Since the RCB messages have appeared, the concentration is actually higher, so there is a warning to limit leaving the house. People with respiratory illnesses will feel worse, while others will feel irritated and experience allergic symptoms such as a scratchy throat, burning eyes and runny nose. Longer walks in the fresh air are not recommended for the sick, children or the elderly, he emphasizes.
– When there is rainfall or winds, they will cause a different circulation of air masses, thanks to which these symptoms may be less – he adds.
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If we cannot stay at home, it will be a good idea to wear a mask while outside. Even surgical masks will be effective.
– As for the masks, each is good because it will make us less exposed. But of course, the better the filters, the greater the protection. These are general safety rules, he says.
In conclusion, there is nothing to be concerned about. Let’s behave as with standard smog alerts, wait for the development of accidents and follow the recommendations, hoping that the weather conditions will reverse the situation and redirect air masses – the expert concludes.