The electronic information display presents air pollution data collected from automatic monitoring stations operated by the provincial environmental protection inspectorate. The display provides information about the current assessment of air quality, based on a composite index indicating the level of air pollution. It is determined on the basis of current one-hour concentrations of four pollutants: nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter PM10 and tropospheric ozone, the air quality index and the trend in its change.
The main purpose of presenting the current air quality assessment in the form of emoticons is to draw public attention to the problem of air pollution and its sources, as well as to ways of improving air quality by reducing pollutant emissions.
Description of assessment categories:
- very good: indicates that all forms of outdoor activity can be pursued without restrictions;
- good: indicates that sensitive people (children and older people) should limit physical activity near major traffic routes;
- moderate: reducing outdoor activity requiring prolonged or strenuous effort should be considered. For walks, choose areas away from heavily trafficked streets and residential districts heated with coal;
- poor: warns that outdoor physical activity is recommended only for healthy people. Private car users should use public transport to limit transport-related pollutant emissions;
- very poor: warns that people diagnosed with respiratory or circulatory diseases should remain at home. Physical activity requiring significant exertion outdoors should be avoided.
Information is also available on the website powietrze.gios.gov.pl, in the dedicated “Air Quality in Poland” application and at air.wroclaw.pios.gov.pl.
Measurement data for the Bolesławiec station at Słowackiego Street are available at www.boleslawiec.eu, under the “Air Quality in Bolesławiec” tab.