Shocking Revelation: Prague’s Air Quality Declines Below Ostrava’s – Both Cities Exceed Safe Pollution Levels!
The air quality in Prague is currently worse than the limits set by the European Union (EU) and significantly exceeds the recommendations provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Data released by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) indicates that multiple areas in the capital exhibit alarmingly elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
In an unexpected turn of events, Prague’s air quality measurements were found to be poorer than those of Ostrava, a city known for its heavy industrial activities.
While Ostrava conformed to the EU’s NO₂ standards, Prague fell short in the majority of the areas monitored. Out of 17 high-traffic zones, only six met the EU’s air pollution requirements.
Which Areas in Prague Are Most Affected by Poor Air Quality?
The legal nitrogen dioxide limit set by the EU is 40 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) of air. Sadly, many spots in Prague surpassed this limit by nearly 50%. The more stringent WHO guidelines suggest that NO₂ levels should not exceed 10 µg/m³, a target that Prague’s air quality regrettably fails to achieve.
Some locations experiencing the highest nitrogen dioxide levels include:
- Ječná Street – 58.0 µg/m³
- Plzeňská Street – 57.2 µg/m³
- Radlická and Klicperova – 50.7 µg/m³
- Ječná and Štěpánská intersection – 50.0 µg/m³
- Smetana Embankment near Novotný Bridge – 52.3 µg/m³
Other affected areas include intersections at V Botanice (47.8 µg/m³), Želivského and Biskupcova (46.6 µg/m³), Spořilov (44.4 µg/m³), and Patočkova (44.4 µg/m³).
Experts Urge for Immediate Action
Specialists in air quality emphasize the necessity to curb traffic emissions and encourage the use of cleaner transportation options.
“The evidence clearly indicates that to enhance air quality, we must strongly support emission-free transport and implement low-emission zones. It’s absolutely essential for Prague to take urgent steps to lessen vehicle traffic, especially in the historic center and near schools,” experts have stated.
With the EU aiming to reduce its NO₂ limit to 20 µg/m³, the air quality situation in Prague could worsen even further unless immediate measures are taken.
