Content of air pollutants in Kraljevo

Abstract

Air pollution remains a critical public health and environmental challenge, contributing to morbidity and mortality through cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and developmental pathways. Global exposure to ambient sulfur dioxide, particles with aerodynamic diameters equal to or less than 2.5 and 10 μm, nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds continues to exceed World Health Organization guidelines for over 99% of the world’s population. Therefore, this study deals with the analysis of concentrations of airborne pollutants in the city of Kraljevo over a period of one heating season. Particularly, in this paper we will focus on the influence of seasonal residential heating and combustion-related emissions on air pollution while analysing the seasonal and monthly variations in pollutant levels and comparing observed concentrations against WHO standards. These findings reinforce the causal role of fine particulate matter and NO₂ pollution in health deterioration and highlight the need for stringent air quality standards and targeted mitigation, especially during the winter months.