Thanks to the cooperation between the University of Miskolc and the Miskolc County Municipality, anyone can check the air quality. On the pmmonitoring.hu website, visitors can monitor current air quality data in different parts of Miskolc.

What you need to know about the measurement

In the framework of the HungAIRy LIFE integrated project, coordinated by Herman Ottó Institute Nonprofit Ltd. and carried out with the participation of the University of Miskolc and the Municipality of Miskolc, the PM monitoring network and the related pmmonitoring.hu website were implemented. Here, visitors can monitor current air quality data in different parts of Miskolc. The university has set up a high-resolution monitoring network in Miskolc and Kaposvár to monitor and map the concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5).

In Miskolc, the network of 60 measuring covers the entire city. The deployed meters are modular, and the sensors and the data collection system are low cost and energy efficient. The current status of air quality is displayed on a map.

In this context, a series of campaigns have been launched, with posters being created online and at bus stops. The campaign also includes awareness-raising activities to improve air quality.

What can I do to improve air quality?

The priority is to reduce emissions of small aerosol particles. Here are some actions you can take:

Heat smart: Use renewable energy sources (e.g. geothermal, heat pumps, solar collectors) for heating, which have the lowest air pollutant emissions. Electric heating is also preferable, especially when using solar panels to generate energy. Gas heating is also less polluting in terms of dust emissions.

Use dry wood: If you use solid fuels, ensure that only dry wood (less than 15 percent moisture content), wood pellets or wood chips are used. Burning wet wood, coal or lignite is highly polluting. Avoid burning of MDF, OSB, and other furniture boards as they release dangerous substances. The burning of plastic waste, car tyres, clothing, treated wood waste (such as old window frames or fibreboard) is also prohibited due to the release of harmful substances into the air.

Compost green waste: Instead of burning grass or green waste, compost it or use the green waste take-away option. Green waste can also be disposed of in yards.

In Miskolc, the burning of green waste is strictly forbidden and regulated by the municipality.

Use public transport: Reduce the use of private cars. Use public transport, cycling and walking. Diesel vehicles are particularly polluting in terms of particulate emissions. Avoid idling as it multiplies air pollution. Bicycles are one of the most environmentally friendly means of transport and do not pollute the city's air. The use of modern electric cars is also beneficial for air quality.

Source: boon.hu.