Hundreds hospitalised in November's smog levels spike

A report issued by the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) points to 132 patients treated for respiratory conditions in Warsaw and 119 in the southern city of Krakow, in the aftermath of peak smog.

The organisation puts the expected death toll of the latest smog incidents at 100, a figure predominantly encompassing individuals over 60 and those who had suffered from cardiovascular and lung diseases in the past.

Smog engulfed major cities across Poland in late October and early November in result of unfavourable weather conditions and the beginning of the heating season in the country, where many households burn coal to keep warm, the authorities state.

In April, the Mazovian Province Office issued an alert over exceeded levels of PM10 in the atmosphere, alongside increased levels of PM2.5, benzopyrene and nitrogen dioxide. The alert remains in effect throughout the year.

In the first week of November, smog levels prompted Krakow city authorities to impose temporary traffic restrictions for vehicles over 3.5 tons in the center.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the concentration of toxic particles in the atmosphere in the city exceeded standard levels sixfold. (aba/rk)

Source: Gazeta Wyborcza