The measures taken in Istanbul due to the new type of coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic reduced air pollution mostly in Başakşehir and Esenyurt districts in April.
As part of the coronavirus epidemic measures, citizens not leaving their homes helped improve the air quality and reduce pollution.
According to the data of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) air quality measurement stations, the air pollution rate of particulate matter (PM10) in the districts of Istanbul in April decreased by 28 percent compared to April 2018 and 2019.
The highest air pollution decrease in the districts was experienced in Başakşehir. Başakşehir was followed by Esenyurt, Bağcılar, Fatih and Sarıyer respectively.
In April, air pollution decreased by 45 percent in Başakşehir, 44 percent in Esenyurt, 43 percent in Bağcılar, 43 percent in Fatih and 41 percent in Sarıyer.
Air pollution increased by 27 percent in Arnavutköy and 24 percent in Avcılar.
“People staying at home reduced air pollution in Istanbul”
Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Department of Meteorological Engineering, Lecturer Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Toros, in his statement to the AA correspondent, said that the air quality in Istanbul has increased after the new type of coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic.
Stating that the fight against the epidemic reduced air pollution, Toros continued as follows:
“People generally did not leave the house in April. As part of the measures taken, there was a curfew for many days in April. People staying at home reduced air pollution in Istanbul. The decrease in human activities contributes to the decrease in pollutant emissions. Therefore, the air pollution in both our country and Istanbul “The pollution rate decreased compared to the data of the same period in previous years. By examining the data at the air quality measurement stations of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), we saw that the air pollution rate in the city decreased by 28 percent on average. Among the districts, the highest air pollution decreased in Başakşehir and Esenyurt.”
Toros added that clean air contributes to the better functioning of people’s respiratory systems and the strengthening of the immune system.
Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/turkiye/istanbulda-hava-kirliligi-en-cok-basaksehir-ve-esenyurtta-azaldi-/1839042