March 31 The daily limit value of KD10 was exceeded 1-1.3 times in Kaunas, Klaipėda, Panevėžys, Šiauliai, Jonava, and on April 1 – 1.5-2.7 times at all air quality research stations.
This morning, air quality remains poor throughout Lithuania – high and very high concentrations of KD10 are recorded not only in cities, but also in rural areas.
According to meteo.lt information, the wind direction will change from south to west today. The polluted air mass will be displaced by fresher air from the west, so the air quality in the country is likely to improve in the second half of the day.
How to protect yourself?
Solid particles are a mixture of airborne particles and liquid droplets, which may contain various components – acids, sulfates, nitrates, organic compounds, metals, soil particles, dust, soot, biological components (allergens, microorganisms).
Larger solid particles (KD10) usually affect the upper respiratory tract, travel to the bronchi, usually cause coughing and sneezing, while small particles (KD2.5) enter the lungs and blood and can affect not only the respiratory system, but also the organs of the circulatory system, worsening the internal organs function to complicate the course of chronic diseases.
Babies, children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with asthma and other diseases of the respiratory system and circulatory system are especially sensitive to air pollution. These persons are classified as a risk group and should be more careful.
“In case of high air pollution, when the average 24-hour the concentration of particulate matter KD10 exceeds the limit value established for the protection of human health (50 µg/m³), residents (especially sensitive groups: sick, elderly people and children) should limit outdoor physical activity, sometimes it should be abandoned altogether, until the air quality improves. Yes, respirators or masks would protect and help inhale fewer solid particles,” says S. Pajarskienė.
