Air quality

Trees play a significant role in the cleanliness of the air in the Tatras. Terpene substances which are produced only by conifers are healthy for the airways when inhaled. The air is almost allergen-free and bacteria-free as the High Tatras are located above the dust and smoke zone. This means that the altitude (above 600 metres above sea level) is crucial too. Any physical activity performed in such an environment boosts immunity and reduces the inflammatory reactions of the airways. The air measure values in the foothills (Stará Lesná – 731 m a.s.l.) are very positive too (9.5 micrograms per cubic metre – µg/m³ on average). And these values go down dramatically on hiking trails. In cities, the air pollution reaches 20 µg/m³ to 50 µg/m³. Some localities in Slovakia have even critical numbers close to 75 µg/m³. These are alarming mainly for asthmatics and children. But a few days spent in a lovely mountain embrace with clean air can suppress such adverse effects and clean the whole organism. The High Tatras are truly a cure.