Air pollution in İnegöl sounds the alarm: We are breathing poison!

It is emphasized that air pollution in Bursa's İnegöl district is at critical levels, particularly due to the impact of organized industrial zones.

Experts state, "Unfortunately, particulate matter 2.5 measurements are not being taken. PM 10 levels are almost three times higher than the limit values set by the World Health Organization. This situation is leading to serious public health problems."

According to the World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines, exposure to an annual average Particulate Matter (PM) 10 concentration above 15 µg/m3 is harmful to human health. In addition, exposure to 50 µg/m3 daily also poses a risk. It is noted that the population in İnegöl is around 300 thousand and is exposed to levels above these values.

According to a report by Sibel Bahçetepe from Birgün, Public Health Specialist and CHP Bursa MP Prof. Dr. Kayıhan Pala stated that those living in the district are under serious health risks, saying, "The annual average PM 10 value recommended by the WHO is 15 micrograms, but in İnegöl, this value has been measured at 50.52 micrograms per cubic meter."

Pala emphasized that particulate matter (PM) pollution causes premature deaths, stating, "PM is a common air pollutant consisting of a mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. PM 2.5, which causes the most deaths, is not measured at every station. For the sake of public health, clean air action plans must be prepared and implemented based on a scientific foundation."

Public Health Specialist and CHP Bursa MP Pala stated that he has not received a response to his questions directed at the Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, criticizing the situation by saying, "We waited for PM 2.5 measurements, but unfortunately, these measurements were not taken. The Ministry continues to use the WHO PM10 limit value and persistently fails to implement the new value."

Murat Demir, a Board Member of the Nature and Environment Protection Association (Doğader), states that İnegöl is a city known particularly for its furniture industry and that uncontrolled emissions are occurring. Demir noted that there is a situation that requires elderly, children, and sick people not to go out in poor air conditions, saying, "İnegöl has become a city where industry needs to be brought under control, rehabilitated, and transitioned to high technology."

News Source: 12punto