Air contamination is 1 of the biggest ecological problems in Poland, which affects millions of people. Despite many efforts to improve air quality, smog remains a serious wellness threat for Poles. fresh data disclosed by Institute for Environmental Protection and Ministry of Climate and Environment indicate that the situation in the country inactive requires urgent action. So what the latest reports say about smog in Poland How do they affect the lives of the inhabitants?
What is the situation of air contamination in Poland?
According to a study published in 2024 by Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection, Poland belongs to the highest level of air contamination in Europe. Smog is simply a peculiar problem during the period heatingwhen there are evidence concentrations in many cities PM2.5 and PM10, that is, suspended dust, which has a peculiarly negative effect on health.
For example, Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław and Katowice For years they have been faced with advanced levels of smog. Data show that in 2023 in Krakow average yearly concentration PM10 above acceptable standards by 30%. In turn Wrocław During the heating period he struggled repeatedly with concentration PM2.5 higher by 50% from values considered safe.
The scale of the smog problem in Poland
Data for 2023 indicate that in Poland rod 33 million people lives in places where air contamination level exceeds the standards established by World wellness Organisation (WHO). This means that all 3rd individual in the country is exposed to the harmful effects of dust and gases, which can lead to many wellness problems.
Smog in Poland is not just a problem in large urban agglomerations. In smaller towns, especially in small cities and on villages, air contamination is besides very high, especially during the heating period. Data propose that 2023 about 25% Polish cities had a problem with exceeding average concentration PM2.5.
Consequences of smog for health
Smog has serious wellness consequences, especially for the elderly, children and people with respiratory diseases. PM2.5 and PM10 These are microscopic molecules that easy penetrate the lungs and even into the bloodstream, causing diseases specified as:
- Asthma,
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary illness (COPD),
- Cardiac disease,
- Cardiac disorders,
- Lung cancer.
From data Ministry of Health It appears that Over 40,000 people per year in Poland, he dies of air pollution-related diseases. W 2024 the study indicates that smog contributes to increase in hospitalisation in hospitals, especially during periods of highest pollution, i.e. October to March.
New data on smog in Poland – What are the causes?
The main causes of smog in Poland are:
- Low emissions – burning solid fuels (coal, wood) in obsolete furnaces, especially in single-family homes, called ‘Cinderettes’. In Poland there is inactive around 2.5 million obsolete furnaces that emit large amounts of harmful substances into the atmosphere.
- Transport – exhaust gases from cars, especially in large cities, where traffic jams contribute to the increase of air pollution.
- Industry – any industrial plants, in peculiar those utilizing fossil fuels, contribute to the production air pollution.
- Weather conditions – during winter periods, in the absence of wind and advanced humidity, the smog has no place to disperse, resulting in an increase in its concentration.
Government reactions to smog – fresh legislation
In consequence to the problem of smog, a number of changes to air quality regulations have been made in Poland. From 2025 will apply stricter fuel quality standards and ban on the usage of alleged ‘cinders’. By 2027, in Poland, all old furnaces should be exchanged for modern ecological boilers. In addition, the strategy was besides introduced monitoring of air quality, which allows to keep track of contamination levels in cities and municipalities.
W 2024 government besides announced expansion measuring station networksto further monitor air quality in Poland. The aim is to reduce the number of days erstwhile air quality standards are exceeded, as well as to improve public health In the country.
What action can you take?
To minimize the wellness effects of smog, it is worth taking proactive measures, specified as:
- Air quality monitoring – usage mobile applications that inform about the smog level in your area.
- Purchases of air filters – in cities where smog is peculiarly burdensome, it is worth considering buying air cleaners for homes and apartments.
- Increasing environmental awareness – education on smog, including the benefits of exchange of furnaces or reducing emissions from transport, is crucial.
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New data on smog in Poland – What you request to know
