The National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (IKSHPK) has issued several recommendations to reduce the risks posed by high air pollution levels.
IKSHPK has advised citizens to reduce their outdoor activities in cities and areas with high air pollution, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Additionally, the Institute recommends that those who must go outside for their activities wear masks and reduce smoking in outdoor spaces with high foot traffic.
Full Announcement:
INFORMATION ABOUT AIR QUALITY WITH RECOMMENDATIONS
Kosovo, particularly the city of Pristina, is currently facing high levels of air pollution.
Air pollution is considered a health risk, especially for sensitive groups and those with respiratory diseases.
Short-term health effects of air pollution include diseases, hospital admissions, health complications, and deaths.
Long-term health effects include chronic diseases, lung cancer, and cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.
The leading causes of death and illness related to air pollution are: ischemic heart disease, strokes, respiratory diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, emphysema, eye and respiratory system irritation, particularly asthma attacks, and lung cancer.
World Health Organization (WHO) data show that air pollution causes nearly 500,000 premature deaths each year globally. About 290,000 of these deaths occur in high-income countries, while 190,000 occur in middle- and low-income countries.
9 out of 19 people breathe air that exceeds WHO guidelines for high pollutant levels.
Cold weather and temperature drops may worsen the situation due to the use of harmful and poor-quality heating fuels, traffic, and industrial emissions.
Therefore, follow IKSHPK’s recommendations to reduce the risk when air pollution levels are high:
- Reduce outings in the city and polluted areas, especially in the morning and evening, particularly for individuals with chronic cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, children, and pregnant women.
- Stay indoors and avoid opening windows for ventilation while high pollution levels persist.
- Those who must go outside for necessary activities should wear protective masks and cover their mouths and noses with a scarf.
- Reduce smoking outdoors in areas with high foot traffic, and smoking indoors is strictly prohibited by law, particularly in living spaces, workplaces, schools, and hospitals.
At-risk groups, such as individuals with chronic pulmonary and heart diseases, asthmatic and allergy-prone patients, the elderly, young children, and pregnant women, are recommended to spend more time in areas with low pollutant levels, such as mountains and healthy resorts.
