SARAJEVO, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Air quality in cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has significantly deteriorated due to seasonal heating, traffic emissions, and construction dust.

At 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Sarajevo's air quality index (AQI) reached a staggering 343, with PM2.5 levels exceeding 250 micrograms per cubic mete, 61 times the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limits. This dire statistic positioned Sarajevo as the most polluted city globally, earning a "very unhealthy" classification.

Other cities, including Zenica, Maglaj, and Tuzla, also experienced extreme air pollution, according to the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute in BiH.

The government of Sarajevo Canton declared an "alert" on Tuesday as pollution levels soared. Medical experts warn of the grave health consequences associated with prolonged exposure to air pollutants. Ana Jelakovic, a nephrologist at the University Hospital Center Zagreb, explains that air pollutants infiltrate the vascular system, leading to endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and hypertension. Gases like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), along with particulate matter, exacerbate oxidative stress, increasing risks for cardiovascular diseases.

To mitigate exposure, residents are advised to stay indoors, use air purifiers, and wear protective masks. Regular blood pressure monitoring is crucial, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions.

Experts have called for collective action to reduce emissions and improve air quality, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable practices to safeguard public health. Enditem

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