News

During sunny and hot summer days, summer smog appears more often in the air. It is also called photochemical, oxidative, or California or Los Angeles-type smog. It is not visible to the naked eye, but it can significantly affect our health. Its main and most dangerous component is ground-level ozone. What should we know about it?

Experts from Slovakia and Poland discussed the possibilities of improving air quality, reducing energy poverty and supporting sustainable energy solutions during a three-day study tour of the LIFE project “Subcarpathian – Live and Breathe”. Representatives of the Ministry of Environment and the LIFE Populair project from the Prešov region were also present.

Air quality in Slovakia has been improving over the long term. This is confirmed by the latest Air Quality Report of the Slovak Republic for 2025, published by the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMI). Monitoring and modelling results show that concentrations of several air pollutants continue to decline across most of the country. However, air quality remains poor in some regions, particularly during the heating season and in areas affected by intensive traffic and industrial activity.

According to the study Quantification of Life Expectancy Loss from Air Pollution in Slovakia, poor air quality reduces the average life expectancy of people in Slovakia by more than one year. In the most affected municipalities, exposure to polluted air may shorten life expectancy by more than two years.

An air quality improvement programme (AQIP) is a strategic planning tool that is developed for a zone and agglomeration in which the concentration of a pollutant exceeds the limit or target value for the protection of human health and vegetation. In a zone or agglomeration where the limit or target value is exceeded, the district office in the regional seat shall develop an AQIP with the aim of achieving and maintaining good air quality in the long term through the measures taken.

The renovation of family houses under the Obnov dom program continues. Parliament has approved legislative changes that will allow the redirection of 186 million euros from the Modernization Fund to the renovation of at least 16,000 family houses of households at risk of energy poverty.

Air quality affects everyone's health. One of the major sources of air pollution in cities is transport. The way we choose to travel every day influences not only the environment around us, but also the character of our streets, public spaces, and overall quality of life. Sustainable mobility is not about giving up convenience, it is about finding a sensible balance between different modes of transport.

Air quality is one of the key factors that affect our health and the quality of life in the region. In accordance with the obligations arising from the applicable legislation, the Žilina District Office, in cooperation with professional institutions, has developed the Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) for the Žilina Region zone. The public now has the opportunity to comment on the strategic document.

On April 28, 2026, a meeting with Czech educators was held at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica as part of an educational exchange stay to introduce the Populair project and its educational and outreach activities.

If you heat your home with wood, spring and summer are the best time for maintenance, chimney inspection, firewood preparation, and even upgrading your heating system. That way, you can avoid stress and last-minute rushes in autumn.