The provinces in Turkey with the most intense air pollution have been identified. According to measurements from environmental monitoring stations, Iğdır ranked first with a particulate matter concentration of 118.17 micrograms per cubic meter. While provinces such as Malatya, Osmaniye, Kahramanmaraş, and Hatay are also on the list, unhealthy air conditions were recorded for more than 250 days of the year in some regions.
THE 10 PROVINCES WITH THE MOST POLLUTED AIR IN TURKEY
According to PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter data recorded at air quality monitoring stations, the 10 provinces in Turkey with intense air pollution are listed as follows:
- Iğdır: Ranked first with a particulate matter concentration of 118.17 micrograms/cubic meter.
- Malatya
- Osmaniye
- Kahramanmaraş
- Hatay
- Ağrı
- Hakkari
- Mersin
- Şırnak
- Bursa
AIR QUALITY IN ISTANBUL AND ANKARA IS 'SENSITIVE'
In addition to the pollution levels in the provinces on the list, Erzincan and Kütahya were also indicated as regions where air pollution is intense. In Istanbul and Ankara, air quality was measured in the sensitive category.
PARTICULATE MATTER CONCENTRATION IN IĞDIR REACHED 118.17 MICROGRAMS
The particulate matter concentration in Iğdır, which ranks first in the measurements, was recorded as 118.17 micrograms per cubic meter. According to the data reported in the news, some measurement values reached up to 10 times the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
PM2.5 particles, which are effective in air pollution, can emerge from sources such as exhaust gases, coal use, industrial chimneys, and thermal power plants. These particles, which have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, can pass through the respiratory tract and reach the deep regions of the lungs.
IN SOME REGIONS, MORE THAN 250 DAYS OF THE YEAR WERE POLLUTED
It was stated that air pollution is concentrated in the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeastern Anatolia regions. Unhealthy air conditions were recorded for more than 250 days a year in regions such as Osmaniye, the Kestel district of Bursa, and Şırnak, which are located around industrial facilities and thermal power plants.
It was reported that in the Cebeci region of Istanbul's Sultangazi district, polluted air parameters were measured on 263 days of the year due to the impact of stone quarries.
AIR POLLUTION IS LINKED TO SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS
Particulate matter pollution is linked to health problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. It is stated that long-term exposure is also linked to the risk of dementia.
The economic effects of air pollution are also noteworthy. In calculations covering premature deaths, chronic diseases, and labor force losses, it is suggested that the annual cost to the Turkish economy is approximately 138 billion dollars.
News Source: 12punto
