Author: Student of Philology and Language Teaching (Chinese language), 1st-year student,
Bosimova Iroda Yorqin qizi, Uzbekistan State World Languages University.
Abstract
This article analyzes the problem of air pollution in the city of Tashkent, its harms, causes, and alternative solutions. It is shown with figures that the concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 particles in the air exceeds the norm by several times, which poses a health risk. Transport emissions, the burning of fuel oil and coal, construction activities, and the reduction of green areas are identified as the main causes. Experts warn that the damage caused by this problem is severe. It is emphasized that keeping the air clean is the duty of every individual and that the state and the population must act together.
Keywords: PM2.5, PM10, dust particles, transport and energy pollution, anticyclones and natural factors, air monitoring.
Introduction
At a time when our era is developing day by day, our capital city Tashkent is also developing in step with the times in various fields. However, during this process of development, some problems are also observed. For example, recent months have been alarming for Tashkent: the sky of the capital has become not only visibly but also noticeably hazy and dusty. The sharp increase in the number of fine particles in the air is noticeable not only in statistical data but also in the daily lives of doctors and ordinary citizens. So, what causes such a problem and what consequences does it lead to? Is there a way to eliminate this problem in our society?
What are PM2.5 and PM10?
Two indicators are most commonly used to measure air “pollution”: PM10 and PM2.5. These abbreviations indicate the maximum diameter of particles in the air — up to 10 and 2.5 micrometers, respectively. PM10 mainly consists of construction dust, soil particles, and other larger fragments, while PM2.5 is much smaller and more harmful, as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Therefore, health organizations pay special attention to PM2.5: its high concentration increases the risk of asthma, bronchitis, cardiovascular diseases, and other serious health problems. [1]
What do recent measurements show?
Recent observations show how serious the condition of the capital’s air is. According to international monitoring data, on October 6, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., the PM2.5 level in Tashkent reached 188 µg/m³ — a level that experts assessed as “harmful.” On the same day, PM10 also showed a high indicator — approximately 270 µg/m³, which is almost six times higher than the daily standard set by the World Health Organization (45 µg/m³).
Similar sharp peaks had been observed earlier: on February 21, 2024, in the morning, the PM2.5 level was recorded at around 196 µg/m³, and local monitoring systems considered these indicators to be dangerous. On social networks, the capital’s air also became a daily topic — in reports on October 7, some sources reported that the concentration of PM2.5 in the air was 13 times higher than WHO standards. [2]
What caused it?
Several factors lie at the root of air pollution in Tashkent, all of which together aggravate the problem:
- Transport pressure: The increase in the number of vehicles and traffic congestion in the capital increases emissions. Old and poorly maintained vehicles pollute the air even more.
- Energy and fuel: In winter, heating plants and some enterprises resort to coal or fuel oil. For example, on February 19, 2024, it was reported that more than 12.1 thousand tons of fuel oil were burned for electricity production in the country, which was 1,400 tons more than the previous day — such an increase significantly raises the amount of harmful substances released into the atmosphere.
- Construction and reduction of green zones: Concretization, uncontrolled construction activities, and tree cutting weaken the city’s natural filtration function; construction sites become the main source of dust.
- Natural factors: Anticyclones, frontal winds, and dust storms transport polluted air over long distances to Tashkent. In recent observations (September 21–23), such atmospheric conditions and dust masses reached the capital and caused an increase in particle concentration.
- Materials spread on roads: After snow melts, sand and salt mixtures spread on roads rise into the air during dry weather, further increasing PM indicators.
What do experts say?
The comments of climatologist Erkin Abdulahatov show that this situation is related not only to human activity but also to atmospheric flows: under anticyclone conditions, pollutants accumulate in one place, and dust masses arriving from long distances enter the capital. Large dust storms on September 21 and changes in wind direction created exactly such a situation — reduced visibility at the airport and automatic stations recording PM2.5 levels five to six times higher than national standards confirm that this is a real phenomenon. [3]
Pulmonologist and pediatrician Fotima Kholtaeva warns about the harm caused by fine particles to the human body: PM2.5 penetrates deep into the lungs and settles in the bronchi and alveoli, which increases asthma and chronic cough attacks; particles enter the bloodstream and cause cardiovascular problems. Children, pregnant women, and patients with chronic diseases are identified as the most vulnerable groups.
How does it affect daily life?
Polluted air is not just “bad weather” — it reduces labor productivity, lowers students’ concentration during lessons, and negatively affects the health of children and pregnant women. If it continues for a long time, the overall health of the population deteriorates and an additional burden is placed on the healthcare system.
What measures should be taken?
To solve the problem, cooperation between the state, city administration, businesses, and citizens is necessary at the same time. Recent events have shown that this cannot be delayed.
Systemic measures:
- Renewing and expanding public transport, encouraging electric vehicles.
- Gradually abandoning coal and fuel oil in the energy sector and increasing investments in clean energy sources.
- Strict control of construction regulations — making dust-reducing technologies mandatory.
- Preserving and expanding green areas, equipping cities with green infrastructure.
- Implementing real-time air monitoring and rapid warning systems.
Practical measures at the individual level:
6. Avoiding staying outdoors for long periods during polluted times; limiting physical activity.
7. Using N95 or equivalent filtered masks.
8. Creating a clean environment at home using air purifiers and humidity control.
9. Healthy nutrition — supporting immunity through the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods.
10. For asthma and chronic patients, always carrying necessary medications.
Conclusion
The current air pollution in Tashkent is not an accidental phenomenon of the past, but a social and environmental problem that can recur. The available data (measurements from 2024–2025) show that combating this situation requires not only technical measures but also political will, public awareness, and changes in the daily habits of every citizen.
Breathing is the most natural human need. Protecting it is everyone’s responsibility: strategy at the state level, planning in city governance, and choosing a healthy lifestyle in every family. If we take small but consistent steps today, the sky over the capital will turn blue again in the future.
Bosimova Iroda Yorqin qizi was born on September 8, 2007, in Zomin District of Jizzakh Region. She received her general secondary education initially at General Secondary School No. 28 and General Secondary School No. 16 in the district. Subsequently, she continued her studies at General Secondary School No. 9 in Guliston city and successfully graduated from this educational institution.At present, she is a first-year undergraduate student at Uzbekistan State World Languages University, studying in the field of Philology and Language Teaching, with a specialization in the Chinese language. From early childhood, Iroda has shown a strong interest in learning foreign languages and world literature. Currently, she is consistently engaged in the in-depth study of the Chinese language and the acquisition of modern linguistic knowledge. Her main goal is to become a highly qualified specialist in her chosen field and, in the future, to pass on the knowledge and experience she has gained to the younger generation.
