Authorities in Ukraine have issued a warning to residents in the capital Kyiv to remain indoors as the city grapples with severe air pollution. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources attributed the pollution to fires in the region, particularly the burning of peatlands and other wildfires, exacerbated by autumn temperature fluctuations.
Upon waking up, Kyiv residents were met with thick smog and the acrid scent of burning fires permeating the air, prompting some individuals to don masks for protection. The city topped the list of the most polluted major cities early Friday, according to IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring company. However, air quality levels have shown signs of improvement throughout the day.
The Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change in Kyiv pointed to fires in the Kyiv region, particularly in the Vyshhorod district located around 20 kilometers north of the capital, as the likely cause of the heightened pollution levels. Officials have raised concerns about elevated concentrations of suspended particles like dust, soot, and smoke in the atmosphere, with some areas registering the maximum pollution level on the 100-point scale.
While human-induced climate change does not directly spark fires, it can heighten the risk of wildfires due to rising temperatures and drier conditions that facilitate the spread of fires. Global forest fires have intensified in recent years, with significantly more tree cover burning compared to two decades ago, as reported by the World Resources Institute.
Wildfire smoke can lead to deteriorating air quality even at considerable distances from the fires, primarily due to fine particle pollution such as PM2.5. This type of pollution can result in short-term respiratory issues like coughing and have long-term effects on lung and heart health. Pollution remains a critical health concern, with an estimated 9 million global fatalities annually attributed to pollution-related causes.
Residents in Kyiv have been advised to keep windows closed, minimize outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and utilize air purifiers. The Ministry of Ecology emphasized the importance of these recommendations, particularly for individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. The ministry also highlighted that autumn temperature fluctuations exacerbate pollution levels by trapping harmful substances in the air, thereby diminishing air quality.
