Air Quality Alert: Ploiesti Urges Outdoor Activities Restriction
Ploiesti authorities advise schools and kindergartens to avoid outdoor activities due to expected high levels of PM (Particulate Matter) of up to 100 µg/m³ by Friday, according to National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology forecasts. The city has witnessed consistent PM level exceedances over the past days.
In light of this, residents are advised to keep their homes sealed, with special caution for individuals with chronic conditions, pregnant women, and children to avoid strenuous activities or prolonged outdoor exposure. The city will enhance street cleaning efforts using machinery in the coming days, encouraging citizens to use public transport and avoid using solid fuels for heating.
In a bid to improve air quality, the city is currently in the second phase of a program that will enable around 4,000 households to replace solid fuel heaters with eco-friendly alternatives for free. So far, approximately 500 climate systems have been installed, with plans to install another 1,000 by the end of next month. Citizens can monitor air quality indicators through the municipality’s online system.
Meanwhile, air quality in Sofia has improved, with no significant pollution expected on Friday, except for a moderate risk in the "Pavolovo" area.
Winter PM exceedances are primarily caused by emissions from heating fuels and road transport, exacerbated by unfavorable weather conditions like high humidity, temperature inversions, and calm winds, which lead to atmospheric pollution accumulation.
Appeal to Citizens
- Avoid exposure to outdoor activities when PM levels are high
- Keep homes sealed to reduce indoor PM levels
- Use public transport and reduce solid fuel usage for heating
- Stay informed about air quality through the municipality’s online system
Keep reading