The State Hydrometeorological Service has issued a yellow code warning for air pollution with nitrogen dioxide in Chisinau. The average concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the air exceeds the norm 3.9 times, IPN reports.

Weather forecasters said these pollutants are not expected to disperse intensely during the next few hours given the lack of precipitation, the high temperatures and weak movement of masses of air.

Contacted by IPN, Galina Katenko, senior specialist of the Service’s Environment Quality Monitoring Division, said when the air is polluted with nitrogen dioxide, the stays in industrial areas should be reduced. Walking is recommended only in green areas, for short periods of time. The business entities operating in Chisinau were warned to reduce the emissions of noxious substances by 15%-20%. The smoke emitted during fires also contributes to a higher level of nitrogen dioxide in the air.

Ion Salaru, vice director for health promotion and control of non-transmitted diseases of the National Public Health Center, said the persons who suffer from chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are most exposed to risks. These should respect the general recommendations and avoid exposure to the sun between 11am and 5pm, should wear cotton clothes and drink as much water as possible.