Air quality in Zagreb raises concerns

Zagreb

In recent weeks, the air quality in the Croatian capital Zagreb has sparked concern among residents, with visible pollution and alarming reports from various apps.

Citizens worry about health impacts, particularly on vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

Air quality measurements focus on particulate matter (PM) concentrations, particularly PM10 and PM2.5. These particles, often linked to health risks, are monitored against acceptable levels:

PM2.5: Annual limit of 25 μg/m³ (no daily limit).

PM10: Daily limit of 50 μg/m³.

Reports from certain apps suggested concentrations exceeding 200 μg/m³, raising alarm.

However, official measurements from Croatia’s Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) indicate that while peaks are concerning, average levels largely remain within acceptable limits, Jutarnji list reported.

Zagreb

Key Findings

Data from Monitoring Stations
Measurements at four Zagreb stations revealed fluctuating particle levels:

Station Zagreb-4: Highest average PM10 concentration (27.45 μg/m³) with peaks over 100 μg/m³.

Station Zagreb-2: Lowest PM10 levels (12.72 μg/m³) but occasional spikes.

PM2.5 levels tend to be higher than PM10, with concerning peaks such as 118.7 μg/m³ at Zagreb-3.

Sources of Pollution

Winter Heating: Increased use of solid fuels like wood for heating contributes to higher particle emissions.

Traffic and Industry: Both play significant roles, particularly during stable weather conditions.

Temperature Inversion: This meteorological phenomenon traps pollutants near the ground, worsening air quality.

Zagreb

Regional Trends

Poor air quality isn’t unique to Zagreb. Similar conditions are observed across Eastern Europe, including parts of Slovenia, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. Regional pollution is exacerbated by weather patterns and industrial emissions.

What Can Residents Do?

Experts recommend limiting outdoor activities during periods of high pollution. As Jutarnji list writes, pulmonologist Saša Srića advises staying indoors when particle levels spike, particularly for sensitive groups.

DHMZ advises relying on their data or the “Kvaliteta zraka u Republici Hrvatskoj” portal for accurate information.

Zagreb

Real-time apps like Air Visual have shown consistency with DHMZ readings, unlike others such as AccuWeather, which sometimes report inflated values.

Although overall air quality remains acceptable most of the time, occasional peaks present health risks. Residents should monitor trusted sources and take precautions during high-pollution periods.

As winter continues, addressing the root causes of air pollution, such as heating practices and emissions, remains a key challenge for the city and its inhabitants.