Tashkent among world’s 20 most polluted cities in 2024 Air Quality Report

The 2024 Global Air Quality Report has been released, revealing that the most polluted country is Chad, followed by Bangladesh and Pakistan, with PM2.5 levels of 91.8, 78.0, and 73.7 µg/m³, respectively. Uzbekistan ranks 19th, with 31.4 µg/m³, a deterioration from its 23rd place ranking last year.

Among Central Asian nations, Tajikistan ranks 6th globally with a PM2.5 level of 46.3 µg/m³, followed by Turkmenistan (26th place, 26.5 µg/m³), Kyrgyzstan (21.1 µg/m³), and Kazakhstan (71st place, 15.1 µg/m³).

Globally, only 12 countries maintain PM2.5 levels below WHO's recommended threshold, most of them located in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania.

Africa, Central, and South Asia remain among the most polluted regions worldwide. Despite an increase in air monitoring tools across Africa, continuous and reliable data collection remains a challenge. Western Asian countries also lack proper monitoring infrastructure, with major data gaps observed in Afghanistan, Iran, and Oman.

The report is based on PM2.5 concentration data from 8,954 cities across 138 countries. Compared to 2023, the 2024 report includes 10 new countries and territories, with data gathered from over 40,000 air monitoring stations and low-cost sensors. PM2.5 concentration levels were evaluated based on WHO’s recommended annual norm of 5 µg/m³. The report also incorporates real-time data from the IQAir platform.

According to the findings, 99% of the world’s population lives in areas that fail to meet WHO air quality standards. Air pollution is now the second leading cause of death globally and the second most significant health threat to children under five. In 2021 alone, air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths, with 58% of these linked to toxic PM2.5 particles. The United Nations has declared clean air a fundamental human right.

Experts warn that elevated PM2.5 levels can trigger asthma, cancer, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Prolonged exposure to high PM2.5 levels may cause pregnancy complications, heart conditions, eczema, allergies, and cognitive and psychological disorders in young children.

Earlier reports indicated that in 2023, Tashkent residents were exposed to unhealthy or hazardous air for 65 days. Data for 2024 has yet to be published.

Some reports suggest that the use of coal and fuel oil for heating in Tashkent has worsened air quality, leading to a rise in respiratory diseases among children. However, official bodies have not provided any comments on this issue.

Recently, otolaryngologist Bobur Zulunov noted a surge in allergic rhinitis cases among children. “Previously, this condition was more common in adults. Patients should undergo tests to determine their specific allergens,” the specialist advised.

Despite worsening air pollution, officials have yet to issue public warnings recommending the use of protective masks outdoors.