Smog warning remains in force for selected Slovak locations

The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a first level smog warning for Žilina, Nitra, Košice, Veľká Ida, Topoľníky, Trenčín a Ružomberok. The primary reason for Slovakia's current high levels of air pollution is the ongoing frost, the use of wood and coal for heating, as well as a significantly higher number of petrol and diesel-powered cars on the roads. Of particular concern is the growing amount of PM10 particles in the air, in particular in Nitra, with PM10 comprising particles of up to 10 micrometres in diameter. PM10 particles increase the number and severity of asthma attacks, bronchitis and other lung diseases and reduce the body's ability to fight infections. Very high concentrations of said particles by were measured in Žilina on Friday and Saturday, but fell just below the threshold on Sunday. However, on Monday these concentrations rose above 100 µg/m3 once again, putting this Slovak city in a similar rank as Beijing, China, which has endured a yearly average of 100 µg/m3 of particulate matter since 2008. The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute recommends caution for particularly sensitive persons.