Inversion conditions cause sharp decline in Tashkent air quality

Air quality in Tashkent deteriorated sharply with the Uzbekistan Hydrometeorological Service (Uzhydromet) reporting that concentrations of fine particulate matter exceeded national safety limits.

According to Uzgidromet the 24-hour average concentration of fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), (particles ≤ 2.5 micrometres) rose to 202 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³), about 3.4 times the national safe limit of 60 µg/m³. Larger PM10 (particles ≤ 10 micrometres) reached 373 µg/m³, approximately 20% above the threshold of 300 µg/m³.

The sharp decline was felt by residents who reported a burning odour in the air. Officials warned residents to limit outdoor activity for several days adding that the adverse weather conditions may cause elevated pollution levels for a few days.

The sudden spike in airborne particulates comes after several days when air quality had been near acceptable levels.

Uzhydromet claims the rise was driven by a temperature inversion - a scenario where cooler air becomes trapped beneath warmer air, preventing pollutants from dispersing and causing accumulation of fine particles.

The agency also warned that similar conditions are expected to persist in other parts of the country for the next few days. 

Data from the World Bank show that in Tashkent, key human-caused sources of PM2.5 include residential heating (28%), transport (16%) and industry (13%), while wind-blown dust accounts for 36% in summer months.

Prior levels of fine particulate pollution have placed Tashkent among the world’s most polluted cities, with annual average PM2.5 readings far exceeding the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance of 5 µg/m³.

Authorities urge residents and visitors to reduce outdoor time and wear masks when outside, particularly vulnerable individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

On the commercial side, demand for air-purifiers and humidifiers in Tashkent surged by 35% in recent days, and respirator-mask sales nearly doubled.

Without sustained improvement in emission sources, air-quality episodes will likely recur, especially during seasonal inversion conditions.

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