havayonetimi@csb.gov.trPhone : +90 312 410 1000Fax : +90 312 474 0335

The quality of the air we breathe determines our quality of life and clean air is essential for our health.

The CityAir Project aims to improve the air quality that our citizens breathe and raise public awareness about the importance of air quality for better life.

www.cityairturkiye.com

This project is co funded bythe European Union and the Republic of Turkey

This project is co funded bythe European Union and the Republic of Turkey

This publication is funded by EU. The responsibility of the content lies with A.E.S.A Consortium.The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the EU.

/CityAirTurkiye /CityAir.Turkiye /CityAir Turkiye

Cleaner Air, Better Life

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One of the most fundamental human rights is; to be able to live in an environment where one can breathe clean fresh air.The quality of the air we breathe determines our quality of life and clean air is essential for our health.

Do we know enough the quality of the airwe breathe? Do we take the necessarymeasures to improve it? Air pollution is not just an important environmental issue; it is also a major public health concern due to its adverse effects on human health.

Pollutants in the atmosphere, be they man-made or naturally-occurring, in gas form or in particles, are lowering the overall quality of air day by day.

Air quality is an important public health and environmental issue.

Cleaner Air, Better Life

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Facts AboutAir Pollution

(*) Air pollution accounts for 1 in 8 deaths

worldwide.

92% of the world’s population is living in the provinces with poor air quality.

Air pollution reduces the agricultural productivity.

* (WHO Air Pollution Report / 2016)

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AIR POLLUTIONAir pollution caused by the permeation of chemicals, particles or biological materials into the atmosphere; causes discomfort, disease or death in humans while

damaging animals, plants and environment.

Fuel used for electricity and heating, transportation, industrial processes, agricultural activities, waste

treatment plants and houses are among the factors that cause air pollution.

INDUSTRY CITY VEHICLES FUEL OTHER

What is SMOG? Smog is a type of air pollution that reduces visibility and has serious health effects. Smog does not only create a brown haze that reduces visibility, but it also harms plants, irritates the eyes and causes respiratory distress.

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Natural sources of air pollution Not all pollutants are man-made. Some of the chemicals and particles that cause pollution emanate from volcanic eruptions, the explusion of natural gases, or are produced by other environmental phenomena such as wild-fires or desert storms.

Weather conditions, geographical location and the topography of our provinces can all contribute to increased levels of air pollution. A good example is topographical, where land formations can cause high winds and an increase in the level of some pollutants.

Indeed, even if the topography of our provinces do not present such problems, meteorological conditions still play an important role in air pollution.

Human sources of air pollution Due to a significant increase in the global human population and increasing industrialisation across the world, air pollution levels increased considerably in the last decade.Urban air pollution is one of the most critical threats to public health.

Metropolitan cities with soaring populations, have particularly high levels of residential heating emissions, for example, which lead to an increase in pollutants in the atmosphere.

In addition, the concentration of road vehicles is extremely high in metropolitan areas, which causes traffic congestion and an increase in the amount of fuel used and subsequent exhaust emissions, the particles of which again pollute the atmosphere.

Toxic pollutants such as mercury, lead, dioxins and benzene are emitted through the combustion of gas, coal used in heating or the burning of waste. Toxic pollutants can cause health problems such as cancer, reproductive problems, birth defects, and neurodevelopmental impairment.

Quality Air for a Better Future

Urbanisation, transportation and industrialisation are having an effect on air quality.

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Breakdown of Air Pollutants and Their Sources

Particulate Matter (PM):Fine particles that are measured as micrometres (µm) in diameter. Transportation emissions, combustion and industrial processes, are the sources of PM.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx):Contain nitrogen

compounds, including nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which are

released during combustion within car engines and thermal power plants.

Benzene:A widely used industrial solvent that is released from various sources in

industrial activities, from vehicle exhausts, gas stations, wood smoke

and many other sources, including cigarettes.

Ground level ozone(O3): Formed when nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds react with each other under the presence of sunlight.

Volatile organic compounds(VOCs):

Compounds that are released from solvents, paints and

glazes and are emitted into the atmosphere via car exhaust

fumes and gas station activities, certain industrial processes, and

agricultural activities.

CrZnMg

CaFe

NaSe

CuF

Heavy metals:Are released as a result

of burning metals in power plants and industrial processes

such as waste combustion and coal

purification.

Sulphur dioxide (SO2):Emitted during the burning

of fossil fuels.

Ammonia (NH3):Released from animal waste and fertilizers.

Carbon monoxide (CO):Carbon monoxide is an odorless

and colorless gas.

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Every day, more than 11.000 liters of air moves in & out of the lungs of an average person with an average weight. This amount varies according to the age and physical activity of the individual.

Quality of respiration is a major factor in the effective functioning of human metabolism, and the air inhaled is fundamental to that process. Every year, 3.7 million people die because of air pollution, and this forms the 5 percent of all deaths.

When air pollutants first enter into the respiratory system, they move past the lungs before reaching the circulatory system where they are then carried around the body and capable of affecting all physiological processes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that air pollution was the main environmental cause of death from cancer.

The importance of air quality in terms of public

health

(WHO Air Pollution Report / 2016)

Air pollution directly causes the death of3.7 million people annually.

Increases in; The number of lung cancer

cases The frequency of chronic

asthma exacerbation The frequency of chest

tightness The frequency of coughing/

mucus production The number of acute

respiratory distress cases

The frequency of eye, nose and throat irritation

The mortality rate due to respiratory problems

The costs for health careDecreases in; Breathing capacity Productivity

Air Pollution causes;

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Any increase by 10 µg/m3 in the level of particulate matter leads to an additional cost of 177 USD in health expenditures per person.

Particulate matter - PMParticulate matter pollution in the air (PM10 and PM2,5)Particulate matter is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. The size of the particles ranges widely.

Coarse particles: Particles where the diameter is between 2.5-10 µm (1 µm= 0.001 millimeter) are referred to as “coarse” particles.

Sources of coarse particles:Can be re-suspended dust from roads and from activities such as mechanical crushing, grinding as well as desert sand dust.

Fine particles: Particles where the diameter is 2.5 µm or smaller are called “fine particles”. Fine particles can pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs, where they can accumulate in the respiratory tract causing serious health problems.

Sources of fine particles:Can be directly emitted from sources such as motor vehicles, power plants, burning wood as fuel, forest fires, agricultural fires and industrial processes.

Health effects:Particles smaller than 10 µm in diameter may cause some health problems or exacerbate existing health issues such as asthma. They are associated with deaths caused by heart and respiratory diseases. Researchers found that fourth graders who are exposed to PM, NO2, and inorganic acid vapors showed significant reduction in lung function and development. Deficits were found to be higher for children spending more time outdoors.

Groups most at risk:People with heart and respiratory diseases (COPD, asthma), the elderly (with undiagnosed heart or respiratory diseases) and children are the most sensitive groups.

Carbonmonoxide - CO Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas. It is emitted when the carbon in the elemental structure of the fuels is released due to incomplete combustion.

Sources:Vehicle exhausts are the main source of COin cities. In addition, residential heating andindustrial sources contribute significantly.

Health effects:CO enters the bloodstream through the lungs and attaches itself to hemoglobin thus preventing the cells’ ability to absorb oxygen.

Groups most at risk: People with heart disease such as angina

are particularly at risk when exposed to CO. They may suffer from chest pain, especially when exercising, and may experience other heart conditions.

People with mild and severe heart and respiratory diseases (e.g. heart failure, brain blood vessel-related diseases, anaemia, people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD)

Unborn and newborn babies are the groups most at risk against CO pollution.

In healthy individuals, exposure to higher levels of CO may affect perception and vision.

Air Pollutants and Their Health Effects

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Ozone - O3Ozone is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms. Ozone occurs at both ground level and in the upper atmosphere. It can be useful or harmful according to its location.The ozone layer is mainly found in the lower portion of the stratosphere at approximately 15 to 35 kilometers above ground level.

Useful/Good ozone: Ozone forms naturally in the upper layer

of the atmosphere, specifically in the lower portion of the stratosphere, from approximately 15 to 35 kilometers above ground level and protects the atmosphere by acting as a defensive layer against the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Harmful or “Bad” ozone: Ground level ozone is considered to be a

harmful pollutant.

Sources of bad ozone:“Bad” ozone is created at the level close to the ground surface due to the chemical reaction between pollutants from automobiles, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants and similar sources, as well as sunrays. Ozone pollution occurs acutely during sunny weather, especially during the summer. 

Health effects:Children and adults who are active and spend time outdoors, people with respiratory diseases such as asthma and those who are very sensitive to ozone are the most vulnerable groups against ozone exposure. Research found that short-term exposure to ozone (i.e., 1 to 2

days) is related to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) events in middle-aged adults without heart disease.

Ozone; can cause coughs, throat irritation and chest discomfort and may cause inflammation of the respiratory tract.

Ozone can reduce lung function making it more difficult for people to take deep breaths. Respiration is thus accelerated and breathing may become shallower. Ozone can damage the inner surface of the lungs.

Groups most at risk: Children who play outside in the summer. Adults who spend a lot of time outdoors doing physical

activity are also at risk. During physical activity, ozone penetrates deeply into the lungs, harming their ability to function and causing permanent damage.

In people with respiratory disorders, including asthma patients, exposure to ozone can easily affect the lungs. 

Ozone may exacerbate asthma. Ozone has been shown to make people more vulnerable to asthma triggers such as pets and other allergens (pollen and house dust mites).

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Nitrogen Oxides - NOXSulphur Dioxide - SO2Sulphur Dioxide is an invisible gas and has a foul, sharp smell. It reacts easily with other substances to form harmful compounds, such as sulphuric acid, sulphurous acid and sulphate particles.

Sources:It is emitted when fuels containing sulphur are burned, especially in the transport, household and industrial sectors. Environmentally, SO2 contributes to acidification, with potentially significant impacts including adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems in rivers and lakes, and damage to forests. SO2 also contributes to the formation of secondary particulate matter in the atmosphere.

Health effects:High concentrations of SO2 can affect airway function and inflame the respiratory tract causing respiratory diseases, including asthma. Research studies found positive correlations between acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and black smoke and air pollutant gases (NO2, CO and SO2) as well as between angina and black smoke.

Groups most at risk:People sensitive to sulphur dioxide include:

People with lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema will generally be more seriously affected by higher SO2 levels.

Children are at higher risk from SO2 exposure because their lungs are still developing. They are also more likely to have asthma, which can get worse with SO2 exposure.

Older adults may be more affected by SO2 exposure, possibly because they are more likely to have pre-existing lung or cardiovascular disease.

Active people of all ages who exercise or work outdoors will have higher exposure to sulphur dioxide than people who are less active.

Nitrogen dioxide is an irritant gas, which at high concentrations causes inflammation of the airways. Nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide are referred to together as oxides of nitrogen (NOx). When nitrogen is released during fuel combustion it combines with oxygen atoms to create nitric oxide (NO). This further combines with oxygen to create nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NOx gases react to form smog and acid rain as well as being central to the formation of fine particles (PM) and ground level ozone.

Sources:NOx is produced from the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen gases in the air during combustion, especially at high temperatures. In areas of high motor vehicle traffic, such as in large cities, the amount of nitrogen oxides emitted into the atmosphere as air pollution can be significant. NOx gases are formed whenever combustion occurs in the presence of nitrogen – e.g. in car engines. They are also produced naturally by lightning.

Health effects:High concentrations of SO2 can affect airway function and inflame the respiratory tract causing respiratory diseases, including asthma. Research studies found positive correlations between acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and black smoke and air pollutant gases (NO2, CO and SO2) as well as between angina and black smoke. The authors suggested that 1 in 50 heart attacks in London hospitals are triggered by air pollution.

Groups most at risk:

Consumers Everyone is exposed to small amounts of nitrogen

oxides in the air. Some heating and cooking appliances use fossil fuels; some people live near coal-fired power plants.

Smokers Cigarette smoke, including second-hand smoke

(inhaled during passive smoking) contains nitrogen oxides.

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How can I find out about the air quality in

my area?The National Air Quality Monitoring Network’s measurement station has been set up by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation to monitor

air pollution.

Results obtained from the National Air Quality Monitoring’s measurement station can be seen via the website: www.havaizleme.gov.tr

and mobile application.

How is air quality measurement evaluated? The Air Quality Index (AQI), which is widely used across the world, divides air quality into 6 different groups between 0-500 µg / m3

based on the density of airborne pollutants. The methods and criteria used in the index calculation in various countries of the world have been created in accordance with the air quality standards applied in the countries in question.

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How can I benefit from the“Air Quality Index”?

The purpose of the AQI is to help us connect our health to the air quality of the region we live in.

If the AQI value is 100, it usually corresponds to the national air quality standard. An index value below 100 generally indicates a good situation. The higher the AQI is, the higher the air pollution is and the higher the risk to public health risk. An AQI value over 300 indicates that air quality is poor and, consequently, the risks to health are high.

AIR QUALITY INDEX (AQI) HEALTH LEVEL COLOURS

When AQI falls in the following range Air quality is Symbolised by the following colors

Between 0-50 Good Green

Air quality is considered satisfactory, air pollution is low and poses little or no health risk.

Between 51-100 Moderate Yellow

Air quality is acceptable, but for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a small number of people. For example, in individuals who are very sensitive to ozone pollutants, some respiratory symptoms may be observed.

Between 101-150 Unhealthy for sensitive groups Orange

Members of sensitive groups are particularly vulnerable to certain pollutants. This group is more likely to be affected, even at these lower levels, than the general public. For example, people with respiratory diseases will be exposed to higher risks due to their exposure to ozone pollutants; people with heart disease, for instance, will be at a higher risk due to their exposure to

particulate pollutants in the air. The general public, however, are not likely to be affected by an AQI in this range.

Between 151-200 Unhealthy Red

Everyone may begin to experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

Between 201-300 Very unhealthy Purple / Pink

It is a trigger point for the health alarm. Everyone is at risk of more serious health effects.

Between 301-500 Hazardous Brown

It is a trigger point for emergency health warnings. All segments of society will most likely be affected.

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How can I contribute to higher air quality as an Individual? Here are a few options:

Monitor air quality measurements Choose alternative routes when traffic flow is busy Keep the AC and the windows of vehicles closed in

confined areas such as tunnels Avoid exercising (jogging and walking) in outdoor

urban environments such as on the streets, roads and squares where the traffic flow is busy

Avoid recreational activities such as jogging, picnics around highways

Protect infants and children from pedestrian exposure when outside in traffic dense areas.

What can I do to contribute to Air Quality?Reducing air pollution can slow down the effects of global warming and ensure a healthier life as well as the sustainability of a cleaner environment.

Using high quality fuels

Using of stoves, heaters and boilers properly Walking, taking public transport or cycling short

distances Encouraging widespread use of public transport Limiting the number of the cars driven Reducing the use of fossil fuels by using alternative

and renewable energy sources Reporting the possible impacts of incorrect

applications on air quality by using ALO 181 hotline

Conserve energy, pay attention and interpretthe various AQI (Air Quality Index) ranges well to

improve the quality of life

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OUR OBJECTIVES

The emission inventory compiling/reporting capacity will be increased, together with local data management in line with EU Directives.

The capacity within the institutions focusing on air pollution will be increased. Air quality modelling capacity of stakeholders will be increased. General awareness will be improved and public behavioural change

encouraged.

The CityAir Project aims to improve the air quality that our citizens breathe, thus improving the quality of life of the general public through the implementation and enforcement of EU environmental acquis in the frame of ambient air quality.

Improving air quality and establishing public awareness project:

havayonetimi@csb.gov.trPhone : +90 312 410 1000Fax : +90 312 474 0335

The quality of the air we breathe determines our quality of life and clean air is essential for our health.

The CityAir Project aims to improve the air quality that our citizens breathe and raise public awareness about the importance of air quality for better life.

www.cityairturkiye.com

This project is co funded bythe European Union and the Republic of Turkey

This project is co funded bythe European Union and the Republic of Turkey

This publication is funded by EU. The responsibility of the content lies with A.E.S.A Consortium.The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the EU.

/CityAirTurkiye /CityAir.Turkiye /CityAir Turkiye