NPHC Reminder on How to Behave in Case of Increased Air Pollution Updated on 18 October 2024

Specialists from the National Public Health Centre (NPHC) note that the air pollution map published on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website indicates high concentrations of  PM10 in Žirmūnai today (18 October). The following health and safety recommendations from the NPHC are therefore relevant for residents in these areas.

The NPHC experts provide guidance on how to protect your health on days when air pollution is high.

Effects of particulate matter on human health

Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of airborne particles and liquid droplets that may contain various components, such as acids, sulphates, nitrates, organic compounds, metals, soil particles, dust, soot, etc. PM may also contain biological components such as allergens and micro-organisms.

Larger particles (PM10) generally affect the upper respiratory tract, reaching as far as the bronchial tubes, and can cause coughing and sneezing. People with asthma, respiratory or circulatory conditions, the elderly, infants, children, and pregnant women are considered at-risk groups who are more susceptible to increased levels of air pollution. These groups should be particularly cautious in protecting themselves.

Recommendations for Days with High Air Pollution:

• Avoid sources of pollution: People at risk should avoid visible pollution sources such as busy streets, smoking chimneys, and areas with strong odors. If avoiding these areas is not possible, stay indoors and monitor your health.
• Choose exercise locations wisely: When exercising outdoors, select locations away from pollution sources. Adjust the duration and intensity of exercise based on how you feel.
• Wear protective gear: For those who must stay in polluted areas for extended periods due to work or other reasons, wearing respiratory protection is advised (in accordance with the time duration specified in the technical requirements for the polluted environment).
• Use public transport: Opt for public transportation to reduce individual exposure to air pollution.
• Avoid burning waste: Do not light fires or burn waste in gardens or suburban areas.
• Maintain indoor cleanliness: Clean your rooms more frequently with a damp cloth to reduce indoor dust levels.
• Monitor your health: Keep an eye on your health, and if you feel unwell, contact your family doctor.

For more detailed air quality data, visit EPA website http://aaa.lrv.lt

Updated on 18-10-2024

The National Public Health Centre (NPHC) points out that the air pollution map published on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that today one of the air pollution measuring stations in Klaipėda (Šilutės pl.) is showing an increase in the concentration of ozone (O₃) in the air, which is associated with human activities, especially car exhausts, industrial processes, and other sources. Therefore, NPHC specialists advise sensitive residents to:

Limit outdoor activities:

• Avoid vigorous physical activity outdoors, especially at midday and in the afternoon when ozone concentrations are highest.
• If possible, spend more time indoors with well-functioning air conditioning.

Check air quality indicators:

• Keep an eye on air quality indicators (AQIs) and pay attention to warnings about ozone levels.
• Use apps or websites that provide real-time air quality information.

Take care of sensitive individuals:

• Children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or heart conditions should take extra care and limit their time outside.
• Asthma patients are advised to carry their own medication with them and use it according to their doctor's instructions.

Avoid contaminated areas:

• Avoid being close to heavily trafficked streets and industrial areas where ozone concentrations may be higher.

Use air purifiers indoors:

• Consider using air purifiers to reduce indoor ozone and other pollutants.

The National Public Health Centre urges everyone to take note of the following steps when information about increased particulate matter in the ambient air is announced.

 Additionally, you can monitor the data and air pollution levels of all the automatic air quality monitoring stations in Lithuania on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), (updated hourly).

To avoid the impact of air pollution, the World Health Organisation recommends:
•    Avoid prolonged, physically demanding outdoor activities.
•    People at risk (children, pregnant women, or those with circulatory or respiratory diseases) should monitor their health closely, f feeling unwell, they should promptly contact their GP and stay indoors if there are no indoor sources of air pollution, such as wood-burning stoves or boilers. If indoor shelter is unavailable, it is advisable to avoid heavily trafficked roads and other visible sources of air pollution.
•    Clean rooms (especially bedrooms) using a damp mop.
•    If the contamination is very heavy, close all windows and doors tightly and cover the gaps between them.
•    When outdoors, consider wearing disposable face masks, ensuring they are worn properly to cover both the mouth and nose.
•    Refrain from activities that contribute to air pollution, such as building fires or cooking food in outdoor barbecues.

Impact of particulate matter on human health

Particulate matter is a mixture of airborne particles and liquid droplets, which may contain a variety of components such as acids, sulphates, nitrates, organic compounds, metals, soil particles, dust, soot, and biological components including allergens and micro-organisms. Larger particulate matter (PM10) typically affects the upper respiratory tract reaching the bronchi and often causing symptoms like coughing and sneezing. Conversely, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) penetrates deeper into the lungs and bloodstream, posing risks not only to the respiratory system but also to the organs of the circulatory system. This can lead to impairment of internal organ function and exacerbation of chronic diseases.

For some people, air pollution is particularly harmful

Infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with asthma and other respiratory and circulatory diseases are particularly susceptible to air pollution from particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants. These people are at risk and should be more vigilant.

Common symptoms of acute exposure to pollutants include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, shortness of breath, coughing, compromised lung function (especially notable in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), increased susceptibility to respiratory infections (particularly among children), and exacerbation of allergic inflammatory reactions in the respiratory tract.

Last updated: 29-01-2025

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