📢 The first air quality monitoring station in Debar is now operational!

📢 The first air quality monitoring station in Dibër is now operational!

Last year, the Regional Center for Sustainable Development and Innovation RESET HUB Dibër was awarded a grant by the Municipality of Dibër as part of the public call for NGOs.

Today, we are pleased to announce that the first air quality monitoring station has been installed and is fully operational (online).

A second station has already been secured and will be installed in the coming days.

🌫 What does the station measure?

The following parameters are currently being monitored:

PM₂.₅ (fine particulate matter)

PM₁

PM₁₀

PM₀.₃ (ultrafine particle count)

CO₂ (carbon dioxide)

TVOC (total volatile organic compounds)

NOx (nitrogen oxides)

Temperature

Relative humidity

🫁 Why is this important?

Fine particles—especially PM₂.₅ and PM₁—are considered among the most dangerous pollutants because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

Short-term and long-term exposure to polluted air can cause:

Respiratory diseases (such as asthma and chronic bronchitis)

Cardiovascular diseases

Irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract

Headaches and fatigue

Increased risk for children and the elderly

Measuring outdoor CO₂ serves as an indicator of combustion-related activities (traffic, heating, and other processes), while TVOC and NOx indicate pollution from traffic, combustion, and other urban sources.

📊 Why is monitoring essential?

✔ Environmental transparency
✔ Real-time data
✔ A foundation for informed policymaking
✔ Public awareness
✔ Protection of public health

The principle is simple:

You cannot manage what you do not measure.

This is a concrete step toward a more informed and healthier Dibër community!