On the 25th of February poor air quality was detected in multiple locations around Latvia, according to information from Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
The lowest air quality was detected in Rucava and Liepāja. Increased concentration of PM2.5 particles was found there.
Poor air quality because of high concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 particles was detected in Ventspils, Riga and Rezekne.
As LETA was told by representatives of the centre, the poor air quality is related to domestic and cross-border pollution. The main cause is heating and the fact there hasn’t been any rain for a long time.
Particles consist of a mixture of both solids and liquid droplets. PM10 are particles with a diameter of less than ten micrometres, while PM2.5, or fine particles, have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres.
Prolonged exposure to particles can contribute to cardiovascular diseases and impact the respiratory system, specialists warn.