Air Pollution in Yerevan Reaches ‘Hazardous’ as Winter Begins, Putting Children and Elderly at High Risk

Photo Credit: Narek Aleksanyan| hetq.am

Yerevan is once again facing severe air pollution as the winter season begins, creating dangerous conditions for residents across the capital. Children, elderly people, and anyone with breathing problems are especially at risk. The city’s geography makes the problem harder to control, and seasonal changes are now adding new pressure.

Yerevan sits in a bowl-shaped area surrounded by hills. Because of this, polluted air gets trapped close to the ground, and without strong wind, it does not escape. Even during normal months, the city rarely enjoys clean air. But in late autumn and early winter, the situation usually becomes much worse.

Photo Credit: Narek Aleksanyan| hetq.am

This week, air quality monitors across the capital showed ‘dangerous’ or ‘very dangerous’ levels. November is the period when many households begin heating their homes, and in several neighborhoods, people rely on cheaper but highly polluting materials such as wood or low-grade fuels. These fuels are more accessible than electricity or natural gas, but they release smoke and harmful particles that linger in the air.

Vehicle emissions continue to be another major factor. Many cars in Yerevan run without proper emission controls, and environmental groups have long warned that the city lacks strict rules to keep these levels in check. Construction sites also add to the problem because dust-control rules are weakly enforced. Dust from building projects often spreads into nearby streets and residential areas.

One of the largest and most persistent sources of pollution is the Nubarashen landfill. The site receives most of Yerevan’s waste but does not have proper systems to manage it. Fires are frequent throughout the year, and the smoke from burning garbage releases toxic materials into the surrounding air.

Photo Credit: Narek Aleksanyan| hetq.am

At a municipal meeting on Monday, Mayor Tigran Avinyan addressed one part of the issue. He said that new rules requiring construction companies to use dust-suppression equipment have still not been put into action but will be approved in December. Once approved, developers will be formally informed of the new standards.

Meanwhile, public pressure on city officials is increasing. On Sunday, a group of activists organized an anti-smog demonstration in the center of Yerevan. Dozens of people marched through the streets before gathering outside City Hall. Many participants wore face masks or even gas masks to show how serious the situation has become.

Health specialists continue to warn residents to take precautions. They advise people to stay indoors as much as possible, wear protective masks when outside, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers at home or at work if they have them.

As Yerevan enters the coldest months of the year, concerns are growing that air quality will drop even further unless strong and immediate measures are taken.

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