SARAJEVO, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), has been shrouded in heavily polluted air since Saturday evening, with the average daily density of fine particulate matter 4-5 times exceeding the prescribed values.
The highest concentration of floating particles -- 269 micrograms per cubic meter -- was recorded in the center of Sarajevo, BiH's Federal Hydrometeorological Institute (FHMZ) reported on Monday, adding that the prescribed value is 50 micrograms per cubic meter.
The quality of air has been "very unhealthy" since Saturday evening, with a measuring station in the center of the city recording 6.5 milligrams of carbon monoxide in outside air, while the prescribed value is 5 milligrams, FHMZ explained in its report.
Faced with a worsening economic situation, most Sarajevo residents use cheap coal rather than electricity or gas for heating their houses. The major contributor to polluted air is nitrogen oxide, which comes from car exhaust, coal-fired power plants, and factory emissions.
Due to reduced visibility, flights to Zagreb and Vienna from Sarajevo International Airport (SIA) were canceled on Sunday evening and Monday morning.
FHMZ warns that Sarajevo residents should prepare for air pollution levels to remain excessively high in the coming days.
Residents are advised to avoid going outdoors and to wear protective masks since the inhalation of polluted air can have a serious effect on their respiratory system.
