In a recent discussion, scientist Vytautas Naktinis revealed that Alytus is facing a severe health crisis, as it leads Lithuania in respiratory illnesses by a significant margin. He states that the city's health issues are primarily a consequence of air quality, even though current pollution measurements do not exceed official thresholds. Naktinis argues that the existing evaluation system fails to accurately reflect the city's true pollution problem, suggesting that it is outdated and insufficient for the current environmental conditions.

Naktinis points out that while official studies conducted in collaboration with Swiss scientists indicate that pollution levels are within acceptable limits, this does not capture the real impact on public health. He emphasizes that the methodologies used to measure air quality are antiquated and do not account for pollution spikes that occur far beyond safe levels. Specifically, he notes that smog only occurs after pollution levels exceed acceptable thresholds many times over, which complicates the understanding of air quality in the city.

This alarming situation emphasizes the need for a more robust and modern assessment of air quality in Alytus to ensure that the health of its residents is prioritized. The findings call for immediate attention from local authorities to address potential policy changes regarding air pollution monitoring, reflecting the critical condition the citizens of Alytus are facing. Without significant updates to how pollution is measured, the health of the community may continue to suffer, highlighting the urgent need for effective health interventions and improved environmental policies.