This morning, September 23, Kyiv faced high levels of air pollution, making it unsafe to be outdoors. According to the city’s app “Kyiv Digital,” as of 8:40 a.m. Kyiv ranked 10th in the world’s air pollution index, with a US AQI of 101. This indicates a level of pollution that is harmful to sensitive populations.
The main pollutant is fine dust PM2.5, the concentration of which exceeds the annual norm recommended by the WHO by 7.1 times. In view of this, experts recommend that residents of the capital close windows, limit their time outdoors, and drink plenty of water.
The probable cause of the deterioration in air quality is fires in the ecosystem of the Kyiv region. The level of air pollution remains high in all districts of the capital, as evidenced by monitoring data at various stations:
- On the European Union's Avenue, the air quality index is 76;
- Shchuseva Street – 78;
- Beresteysky Avenue – 77;
- Left Bank (Kharkivske Shose St.) – the highest index – 83.
These indicators indicate that permissible concentrations of dust, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide are exceeded, which can negatively affect health.
What should Kyiv residents do:
- Close the windows and turn on the air purifiers.
- Minimize time spent outdoors , especially for people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory diseases.
- Drink plenty of water to maintain your body in polluted air.
It is expected that the situation will improve after the elimination of pollution sources, including fires in the region.
