With the drop in temperatures, the start of the heating season, and the increased use of solid fuels that heavily pollute the air, combined with fog and low cloud cover—particularly in Bosnia’s basin areas—air quality has worsened in many cities across the country.

As of 7:00 this morning, air quality readings show unhealthy levels in several areas: the air quality index (AQI) in Banja Luka reached 187, while Kakanj and Travnik measured 163. Tuzla’s AQI was 162, and in Zenica and Sarajevo, levels reached 160 and 159, respectively, according to data from the Eko akcija organization.

In areas with unhealthy air quality, individuals with heart and respiratory conditions, such as asthma, may experience worsening symptoms, while the general population may also start to feel adverse health effects from the pollution.

Air quality data for Bosnia and Herzegovina is gathered from official monitoring stations managed by institutions such as the FBiH Hydrometeorological Institute, the Sarajevo Canton Public Health Institute, the Tuzla Canton Institute, and the US Embassy in BiH.