Pollution alert called off

A high degree air pollution alert in Moravia and Silesia was called off on Friday morning after the smog situation improved overnight. People in these areas were warned to remain indoors and keep their windows closed on Thursday after nitrogen dioxide and dust levels soared high above thresholds set by the WHO. Pollution levels dropped overnight though in the worst affected areas around Ostrava and Karvina the amount of pollutants is still four times higher than permitted.

Air pollution has long been a serious problem in the eastern part of the country, despite sustained efforts to improve the situation. People living in the area are more prone to allergies and asthma and medical statistics show that a higher number of people also suffer from chest infections and heart problems.