Authorities in Ukraine have urged residents in Kyiv to remain indoors as the city is engulfed in air pollution on Friday. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources in Ukraine stated that the pollution was a result of peatlands and other wildfires burning in the region, combined with fluctuations in autumn temperatures. Upon waking up, residents in the capital were greeted with thick smog and the pungent smell of fires in the air, leading some to wear masks for protection.
Kyiv was ranked as the most polluted major city early Friday in a real-time air quality database by IQAir, a Swiss company specializing in monitoring air quality levels. However, air quality seemed to have somewhat improved as the day progressed, causing the city to drop in the rankings later on. The Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change in Kyiv pointed to fires in the Kyiv region as the likely cause of the pollution, with reported fires in the Vyshhorod district, situated approximately 20 kilometers (about 12 miles) north of the capital.
Officials have cautioned about heightened levels of suspended particles like dust, soot, and smoke in the air, reaching maximum levels on the 100-point scale in certain areas of the city. While human-induced climate change does not directly cause fires, it can elevate the risk of wildfires due to rising temperatures and drier air, which can facilitate the spread of fires. Concerns over wildfire smoke causing a decline in air quality have been raised, with a focus on fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5, which can result in short-term issues like coughing and long-term effects on the lungs and heart.
Furthermore, pollution poses a significant health risk, with estimates suggesting that pollution leads to the deaths of approximately 9 million people globally each year. In response to the pollution, Kyiv residents have been advised to keep their windows closed, minimize outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and utilize air purifiers. The Ecology Ministry emphasized the importance of these recommendations, particularly for individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. The Ministry also highlighted that autumn temperature fluctuations exacerbate air pollution, trapping harmful substances in the air and deteriorating air quality in the process.
