CHELYABINSK, May 22. Excesses in sulfur dioxide, suspended particles and hydrogen sulfide were detected in the atmospheric air of Chelyabinsk on Monday, the smell of burning can be felt in the city due to fires in neighboring regions, residents are advised not to open windows and drink more water, the press service of the Ministry of Ecology of the region reported.
According to the Chelyabinsk Hydrometeorological Center, Chelyabinsk has a first-degree adverse weather regime (from the evening of May 20 to the evening of May 25), which contributes to the accumulation of pollutants in the surface layer.
«In some areas of Chelyabinsk and a number of cities in the region, haze from fires in neighboring regions can be observed and the smell of burning can be felt. Over the past day, according to the unified air quality monitoring system of the Chelyabinsk region, slight excesses of sulfur dioxide and suspended particles were recorded in Chelyabinsk, as well as hydrogen sulfide. All data on excesses detected today have been submitted to the relevant supervisory authorities for further response measures,» the report says.
Control and supervisory authorities have strengthened control over the activities of industrial enterprises of the city and region, added to the message.
The enterprises have reduced the volume of emissions into the atmosphere by 15-20% and are taking a number of other measures aimed at reducing the negative impact on the atmosphere in the city. Control over the operation of gas cleaning equipment has been strengthened, the message added.
Given today's hot and windless weather, the Ministry of Ecology of the region recommends that the enterprises of the Metallurgical, Kalininsky, Kurchatovsky, Traktorozavodsky districts reduce additional emissions into the atmospheric air, and the administration of Chelyabinsk — to strengthen the watering of the streets. Citizens in case of feeling an unpleasant smell are advised not to open windows and not ventilate the premises in the morning, drink more water, and carry out wet cleaning of the premises.