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In connection with strict measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, reports of significant improvements in air quality spread around the world last year. The reason for the decrease in concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in the air was mainly due to the restriction in mobility. However, with the relaxation of measures, air quality is returning to the old ways. This is evidenced by footage from the Copernicus program.

The aim of the LIFE IP – Air Quality Improvement project  is to improve the implementation of programs to improve air quality in Slovakia. In this context, the positions of regional air quality managers have been established, who are currently working with representatives of state and local authorities to prepare new air quality management plans.

In connection with the gradual relaxation of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, mass school opening is long awaited. However, in addition to the risk of coronavirus infection, pupils and students may face an "old-new" threat in the form of poor air quality when they start school.

The European Recovery Plan will bring Slovakia additional investments worth almost 6 billion euros in the green economy, health, education, science and research, as well as public administration and digitization. Slovakia will receive one billion euros from the Recovery Plan to improve the environment and human health.

The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMI) is currently installing new automatic monitoring stations (AMS) in localities not yet covered by monitoring as part of the project Improving the National Air Quality Monitoring Network.

High concentrations of air pollutants have a significant impact on public health in Slovakia. Long-term exposure to dust particles increases the incidence of asthma, cardiovascular problems, lung diseases and consequently leads to premature death. However, despite improvements, the situation is still not good.

The European Commission is bringing an action against Slovakia to the European Court of Justice for exceeding the limit value for particulate matter and for failing to take appropriate measures to improve air quality.

In the event of a short-term but extreme deterioration of air quality, the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute declares the so-called smog situation. When does it happen, how do you find out about it and what to do in case of a smog situation?