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Heating with solid fuel, especially if it is heated incorrectly, is the main source of air pollution with PM10 dust particles in Slovakia. If anyone doubts this, just look at the website of the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMI). The measured concentrations of pollutants in the air in our country increase significantly with decreasing temperature. Their values ​​increase especially in the evening and reach their maximum at night.

In recent days, average daily PM10 values ​​above 50 µg/m3 were exceeded at several measuring stations. Limit values ​​of pollutants for the protection of human health are determined by law. This value should not be exceeded at an individual station more than 35 times in a calendar year. You can find more information about exceedances on the SHMI website.

At the measuring station in Oščadnica, the values ​​of this pollutant were even exceeded to such an extent that SHMI declared a smog situation here from 10.1.2024 1:00 until further notice, and today a similar situation took place in the city of Jelšava. You can find information about the current smog situation here or on the website dnesdycham.sk.

But the situation is not bad only in Oščadnica. The measured values ​​of PM10 particles were significantly exceeded at several measuring stations, but the conditions for issuing a warning about the smog situation have not yet occurred.

So what does the smog situation and elevated pollutant values ​​mean for ordinary people? There is no need to panic right away, but... PM10 dust particles can cause health problems in such high concentrations, especially for sensitive people, such as the elderly and sick people (e.g. asthmatics), children and pregnant women. In order to protect health, it is recommended, for example, to ventilate for a shorter time, to shorten the time spent outdoors and to limit physical exertion outdoors.

Several basic principles must be followed to improve the air quality. First of all, if you have a choice, prefer to heat with gas or electricity so that other pollutants do not enter the air. If you only have solid fuel heating, follow these principles:

• do not burn waste or waste wood such as furniture, windows, etc. During the combustion of this type of impact, other toxic substances are also produced,
• use well-dried wood (it should be dried for 1-2 years),
• it is better to apply more often in smaller doses (does not apply in the case of gasification and automatic boilers),
• do not suffocate the fire - set the control flaps so that air has access to the fuel,
• regularly clean the boiler and chimney,
• use modern low-emission combustion devices (wood gasification boiler or automatic boiler).