Air pollution and pulmonary diseases in Belgrade

This paper examines the relationship between air pollution (SO2, NO2, PM2.5, and PM10) and hospitalization of patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma. Our research was conducted in the area of Belgrade during 2019. It was found that SO2, NO2, PM2.5 and PM10 contribute to the worsening of COPD and asthma. Our results indicate that the highest monthly and daily values for NO2, SO2 and PM2.5 were recorded mainly throughout autumn and winter months. During these two seasons, the number of hospitalizations of COPD patients with acute exacerbations, as well as patients with non-allergic asthma, significantly increased. Higher concentrations of suspended PM10 particles were also recorded in the winter months. Targeted intervention measures-including expansion of the air quality monitoring network, increased urban green areas, reduction of sulfur concentrations in fuels, and the adoption of cleaner energy technologies- should be implemented in Belgrade to mitigate air pollution and reduce the associated healthcare burden among patients with COPD and asthma. Our future work will examine the role of specific meteorological conditions on air pollution and asthma/COPD hospitalization.