“High air pollution” was seen in 13 provinces in Turkey last year, and annual particulate matter values exceeded WHO guidelines in 97.7 percent of 175 stations where adequate measurements could be made.
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According to the study titled “Black Report 2021: Air Pollution and Health Effects” by the Right to Clean Air Platform (THHP), the number of air quality measurement stations in Turkey increased last year.
While the level of PM2.5, a carcinogen, could not be measured adequately in 42 cities in Turkey last year.
When PM10 values were examined for 72 cities from which sufficient data were obtained, it was determined that: Air pollution exceeded national maximum values in 45 cities.
While “high air pollution” was observed in measurements made throughout 2020 at 15 stations in Muş, Igdir, Istanbul, Sinop, Malatya, Edirne, Tokat, Kayseri, Denizli, Duzce, Karabuk, Agri, and Ankara.
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Air pollution was also observed only in Bitlis and Hakkari in Turkey: pollution (PM10) was measured below the WHO guideline values.
According to the report, in Mosch, where air pollution is highest, polluted air is inhaled 306 days a year.
The report revealed that the average PM10 in Istanbul in 2020 remained at low levels compared to previous years.
But even this level was twice the guideline values recommended by the World Health Organization.
It was calculated that the average PM10 in Istanbul Mecidiyeköy, Sultangazi, Esenyurt, and Alibeköy districts is more than 3 times the annual WHO guideline values.
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Near Ankara Station, the average annual PM10 was measured at four times the WHO guideline values.
The worst air quality was measured in Izmir, where pollution was detected more than twice the annual WHO guideline values.
The main sources of pollution were the thermal coal power plant, iron and steel plants for processing scrap metal, rolling mills, refineries, and petrochemical facilities.
According to data from the World Health Organization, more than 7 million people die in the world annually due to indoor and outdoor air pollution.
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Millions of people exposed to long-term air pollution also suffer from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and chronic diseases such as diabetes or cancer and become more vulnerable to viruses such as COVID-19.
