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Polish city bans coal and wood burning in anti-smog drive

03.09.2019 07:30
The southern Polish city of Kraków has introduced a ban on burning coal and wood in a campaign against smog.
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Pixabay LicenceImage by Johannes Plenio from Pixabay

The move means residents face fines for using such fuel in their stoves, boilers, fireplaces and even for cooking on stationary barbecues. Lighter, portable barbecues are exempt.

Inspectors will monitor air pollution levels using a drone, thermal imaging camera and a dust monitor, state news agency PAP reported.

Anyone breaking the ban could face a fine ranging from PLN 20 (USD 5, EUR 4.50) to PLN 5,000.

According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), out of the 50 European cities most affected by smog, 33 are in Poland. The WHO estimates that around 50,000 Poles die every year due to illness caused by air pollution.

Poor quality fuel along with vehicle emissions is among the biggest sources of pollution in Poland.

(pk/gs)

Source: PAP