Air pollution increased by 23 percent: Istanbul's most polluted district announced

Air pollution in Istanbul has reached a concerning level. According to measurements taken in April, the concentration of particulate matter (PM10) in the city's air has increased significantly compared to the same period last year. The study, led by Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Toros, Head of the Department of Climate Science and Meteorological Engineering at Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, compared air pollution data for the months of April in 2025 and 2026.

In this context, data obtained from measurement stations belonging to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality were examined. According to the results, the average PM10 in Istanbul rose to 34.1 micrograms per cubic meter across 25 stations in April 2026. During the same period last year, this value was 27.7 micrograms. This indicates a 23 percent increase in air pollution across the city.

The station located in Kağıthane recorded the highest level by far, with a PM10 value of 63.76 micrograms per cubic meter. This was followed by the Tuzla (54.13) and Sultangazi 2 (53.43) stations. While Kumköy was the region with the lowest measured amount of particulate matter at 17.14 micrograms, low levels were also detected at the Büyükada (18.34) and Alibeyköy (19.42) stations.

It was observed that air pollution increased in 19 of the 25 stations evaluated across the city, while it decreased in 6. Significant increases were recorded, particularly in Sarıyer with 139 percent and Arnavutköy with 138 percent. In contrast, there was a 26 percent decrease in Kartal, 18 percent in Esenler, and 6 percent in Sultangazi 1.

CONCERNED STATEMENT FROM PROF. DR. TOROS

Commenting on the issue, Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Toros stated, "The average amount of particulate matter, which was 27.1 micrograms in April last year, rose to 34.1 micrograms in the same period this year. This shows that air pollution in the city has worsened by 23 percent."

Toros noted that air pollution is measured at 37 points across Istanbul, but that they were able to present the full picture by excluding stations with missing data. Reminding that the daily limit recommended by the World Health Organization is 50 micrograms, Toros said, "Values above this limit were detected in 4 of the 37 stations where measurements were taken in Istanbul."

Pointing out that an improvement in air quality was observed in some regions, the scientist said, "Air quality is better in the Kartal, Esenler, and Sultangazi 1 stations compared to last year." However, he also emphasized that the Sarıyer, Arnavutköy, and Kağıthane regions reached a serious peak in air pollution as of April.

Prof. Dr. Toros stated that traffic density and the increase in the number of vehicles in the city have negative effects on air quality. He mentioned that there are over 6 million vehicles registered in traffic in Istanbul, and that frequent stop-and-go driving increases emissions, which in turn contributes to air pollution.

On the other hand, noting that industrial zones still active in the city and stoves used in some neighborhoods are also among the significant sources of pollution, Prof. Dr. Toros used the expression, "Pollutants released from all these sources are effective in determining Istanbul's air quality."

Emphasizing the importance of increasing environmental awareness in society, Toros recommended that citizens follow air quality measurements. He also added that the widespread use of public transportation would reduce pollutant emissions, saying, "One of the most important solutions is public transportation. By increasing our usage share in public transport, we can contribute to fewer pollutants being released into Istanbul."

Finally, stating that air quality can be improved by increasing green spaces, Prof. Dr. Toros continued: "Trees contribute to the retention of both gases and particles in the air. By increasing the amount of green space, we can once again lower our air pollution values."