On February 6, the western regions of Ukraine may experience a deterioration in air quality due to the movement of a polluted dust cloud from the west, particularly from Poland. The causes of pollution include both natural factors and industrial emissions, UNN writes.
Details
Lviv and Ternopil regions will be most affected, where pollution levels will reach 40-60 units.
Dust storms and emissions of harmful substances lead to a significant increase in the concentration of fine particles in the air. They easily penetrate the respiratory tract and can enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of health problems. In such conditions, it is recommended to minimize time spent outdoors.
How to recognize pollution?
During a dust storm, the air becomes hazy and resembles smog. Visibility significantly deteriorates, and sunlight appears muted. If the pollution level is high, the dust cloud can take on a grayish or brownish-yellow hue, enveloping the area in a dense veil.
Health consequences
In addition, air pollution has serious health consequences, especially for the respiratory system. Fine particles and toxic gases easily penetrate the lungs, causing coughing, shortness of breath, exacerbation of asthma, bronchitis, and chronic respiratory diseases.
No less dangerous is the impact of polluted air on the cardiovascular system. Inhaling harmful substances can cause an increase in blood pressure, increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as toxic particles can penetrate the circulatory system and cause inflammatory processes.
Weakening of immunity is also a consequence of prolonged exposure to polluted air. The body becomes more vulnerable to viruses, bacteria, and inflammatory processes, which can lead to frequent illnesses and long-term recovery after them.
Harmful substances in the air can affect the nervous system, causing headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and impaired concentration. In the long term, this can lead to memory impairment and a decrease in cognitive functions.
There is also a serious risk of developing oncological diseases. Long-term exposure to carcinogenic substances, heavy metals, and fine particles in the air can provoke the appearance of malignant tumors.
Polluted air negatively affects the condition of the eyes and skin. Irritation of mucous membranes, redness, allergic reactions, dryness, and inflammatory processes can be a constant problem in conditions of high pollution.
Polluted air poses a particular threat to reproductive health. Toxic substances can affect fertility, increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, and negatively affect fetal development.
This pollution does not yet threaten the capital, said Nina Rotach, head of the atmospheric air pollution monitoring laboratory at the Borys Sreznevsky Central Geophysical Observatory, in a comment to UNN.
So far, there are no clouds, the weather is sunny and good. There is pollution in Kyiv every day, but it is not too high. We conduct measurements every day, but as of today, we have not recorded anything critical.
She added that in Kyiv, the biggest pollution is caused by vehicle emissions – about 80%, as well as enterprises that are currently operating.
How to protect yourself from polluted air?
1. Minimize time spent outdoors – especially during hours when dust and pollution levels are highest.
2. Close windows and doors – use humidifiers or air purifiers with HEPA filters to maintain cleanliness indoors.
3. Wear a respirator – for going outside, choose FFP2 or FFP3 masks, which effectively filter harmful particles.
4. Drink more water – this helps moisturize mucous membranes and reduce the effects of harmful substances.
5. Use eye drops – they will help relieve irritation caused by dust and toxic substances in the air.
6. Monitor air quality – check current indicators through mobile applications and websites, including SaveEcoBot or the "Kyiv Digital" application.
War also affects air quality
War significantly affects air quality, causing additional emissions of harmful substances. The main sources of pollution are forest and household fires, burning oil products, artillery and missile shelling, as well as the disposal of enemy ammunition.
The deterioration of air quality occurs in two directions. Direct impact is associated with the detonation of ammunition, missile explosions, the use of artillery, and air strikes. Indirect – a consequence of fires in natural ecosystems, the destruction of oil depots and industrial facilities.
Despite the variety of ammunition, their structure is similar: a charge and a detonator. During an explosion, these components release a whole range of chemical substances into the environment that poison the atmosphere. This also happens when a missile is shot down by air defense forces - even if it does not hit the target, its fragments leave dangerous compounds in the air.
Modern explosives contain nitrogen compounds, which, during detonation, oxidize, releasing carbon monoxide, sulfur, carbon dioxide, lead, soot, and other chemical elements into the atmosphere.
Some of these substances are particularly dangerous. For example, heptyl, used in rocket fuel, affects the nervous system, respiratory tract, and mucous membranes.
Even non-toxic emissions, although they do not have an immediate impact on health, can significantly disrupt the natural balance of the atmosphere and cause long-term environmental consequences.
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