Erbil’s air quality ‘not as polluted as perceived’

Erbil — The Director of Erbil’s Environmental Office, Dilshad Hussein Hirani, claimed that the environment in Erbil is neither polluted nor as alarming as it is often portrayed.

Additionally, he acknowledged factors such as urban development and the prevalence of generators that influence environmental pollution.

Today, February 22, marking Erbil’s Environment Day, various activities and initiatives aimed at preserving the environment and raising environmental awareness are being launched. The campaign is set to continue for a week.

Hirani emphasized the efforts to combat pollution and protect Erbil’s environment, stating, “We are constantly battling against individuals and companies that contribute to pollution or produce smoke. Our operations are in defense of Erbil’s environment, confronting challenges posed by a significant number of generators and the increase in vehicle numbers, alongside the undeniable urban development and construction which are necessary but require ongoing vigilance and enforcement against those who violate environmental guidelines.”

Previously, the Association of Private Generators had informed 964 that there are approximately 2,200 private generators in Erbil city, with a total of 7,354 across the Kurdistan Region, according to another survey conducted by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Statistical Department. These generators become particularly relevant during the summer months when air pollution levels tend to rise.

According to IQAir, a major global air quality technology company, Erbil is currently at 93 on its scale. The standards for air quality index suggest that a reading between 1 to 50 is considered satisfactory, but readings from 51 to 100 are moderate. Levels from 101 to 150 are unhealthy for allergic groups, especially those with respiratory problems, and readings from 151 to 200 are considered unhealthy for all.

Last week, heavy rainfall helped Erbil bring down its air pollution temporarily.

Erbil’s PM2.5 levels are currently 6.4 times above the World Health Organization’s annual guideline value for air quality, according to IQAir. Prolonged exposure to such particulate matter can affect respiratory health. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. PM2.5 originates from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, residential heating, agricultural burning, construction, and natural events like wildfires and dust storms.

According to the Environmental Protection and Improvement Board, the presence of gases such as CO2, HO2, and NO2, which are considered hazardous, is a concern in Erbil’s environment.

Each city and administration in the Kurdistan Region designate one day a year as Environment Day, during which environmental awareness is spread through various activities and actions.

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