SARAJEVO, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Peaceful protests were held by Sarajevo residents on Monday over the problem of air pollution in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

"We want to make citizens aware that there is more potential for certain activities to be undertaken so that our children do not inhale poisoned air," Sanjin Gijo, one of the protesters told Xinhua.

"The government should ensure normal living conditions for children and introduce specific legal measures for traffic and industrial zones in and around Sarajevo," said Zdravko Kujundzija, president of the Parents Council of Sarajevo Canton.

According to information from the Federal Meteorological Institute of BiH, the average amount of PM10 particles in the air was over 200 since December 2019, moving on a scale between 120 and 340.

An alarming condition has been declared in Sarajevo for several days due to air pollution and an excessive amount of PM10 particles in the air. This situation has been around since Jan. 11.

Edin Forto, prime minister of Sarajevo Canton, had announced to find a solution and to install air purifiers at primary schools. He also announced free distribution of the protective masks for children up to 12 years.

Adnan Steta, Minister of Transport of Sarajevo Canton, said that when the government of Sarajevo Canton declares an "alert" measure, public transport will be free of charge for citizens so as to contribute to reducing air pollution.