The authors present an account on monitoring of atmospheric contamination implemented by the hygiene service on the territory of Ostrava since 1985. They mention briefly the strategy of assessment, collection of specimens and identifi- cation of the applied methods. For the first time in this region annual (year 1996) mean concentrations of specific inorganic and organic noxious substances are given as well as a graphic presentation of the develoment of atmospheric conta- mination by basic (indiocator) noxious substances in 1995-1996. The authors present also statistical and hygienic evaluation of experimental data laid out in tables.For the brief evaluation of health risks the authors used limits valid or recommended in the Czech Republic as well as values published by the World Health Organization and the American Agency for Environmental Protec- tion (EPA). Hygienic aspect: in Ostrava practically all basic noxious substances are found in significant amounts (dust, nitrogen oxides, ozone, hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide), and smaller amounts of sulphur dioxide, and as far as specific subs- tances are concerned - benzo(a)pyrene, arsenic, and to a lesser extent chromium, nickel, manganese, cadmium.

        Key words: monitoring of the atmosphere - basic noxious substances - specifioc noxious substances - hygienic impact