Moderate pollution in Uzbek capital sparks health precautions

Residents of Tashkent have been advised to limit time outdoors and wear protective masks as air pollution levels remain elevated, according to air quality monitoring data.

IQAir reported that on the morning of December 13, air quality in the Uzbek capital was rated as moderate, with an Air Quality Index of 81.

The primary pollutant was fine particulate matter PM2.5, with concentrations reaching 25.4 micrograms per cubic meter, Anhor.uz said.

These PM2.5 levels are 5.1 times higher than the annual guideline set by the World Health Organisation. Such fine particles are considered especially hazardous to health because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

Hourly forecasts indicate a gradual improvement in air quality over the course of the day. By evening, the AQI is expected to decline to around 60–58, although overall conditions will still fall within the “moderate” category.

IQAir recommends that vulnerable groups — including children, older people and those with chronic illnesses — reduce outdoor physical activity, keep windows closed where possible and use air purifiers. Sensitive individuals are also advised to wear protective masks when going outside.

IQAir is a Swiss company that specialises in air quality monitoring technologies.

By Tamilla Hasanova