Air Pollution In Afghanistan: Understanding The Root Causes

Afghanistan has become a junkyard of old cars, and decades of war have wrecked the country's infrastructure, causing waves of displaced people. The capital, Kabul, has become one of the most polluted cities in the world, with pollution levels rising due to the burning of plastics, tires, and garbage, as well as the use of inefficient vehicles and power generators that run on poor-quality fuel. In 2017, the State of Global Air study found that more than 26,000 deaths could be attributed to air pollution in Afghanistan, with household pollution partly to blame for at least 19,400 of those deaths.

Decades of war

One of the most affected areas is urban infrastructure, particularly in the capital city of Kabul, which has a population of about six million people. The war has left the city completely demolished, with no area left untouched. The lack of proper urban planning and development has resulted in unplanned construction projects, unpaved roads, and streets, all of which contribute to the deteriorating air quality in the city. The geographical situation of Kabul, surrounded by dry mountains and hills, further exacerbates the problem.

The war has also caused waves of displaced people, seeking refuge in cities like Kabul. This influx of people has put additional strain on the already fragile infrastructure and resources. To survive, these displaced families often resort to burning garbage, plastic, tires, and wood for warmth and cooking, releasing toxic fumes into the air. The shortage of electricity and the high prices of gas and electricity have further exacerbated the problem, with residents having no choice but to rely on dirty fuel sources and power generators that contribute to air pollution.

The war has also impacted the country's transportation system. Afghanistan has become a dumping ground for old, outdated cars, many of which are imported without proper technical inspections. These inefficient vehicles, along with the use of leaded fuels that have long been banned in the West, pump toxins into the air, worsening the air quality. Additionally, the war has hindered the development of green areas and the implementation of environmental protection measures, further contributing to the air pollution crisis.

Poor infrastructure

Decades of war in Afghanistan have had a devastating impact on the country's infrastructure, and this has contributed significantly to the problem of air pollution. The capital, Kabul, has been particularly affected, with its infrastructure left in ruins following years of conflict. This has resulted in a range of issues, including pollution, security threats, unemployment, poverty, and illiteracy.

One of the main consequences of the war-ravaged infrastructure is the lack of access to basic amenities such as gas and electricity. This has forced residents to rely on alternative sources of fuel, such as burning wood, plastic, tires, and even garbage, to meet their energy needs for cooking and heating. The burning of these materials releases toxic fumes into the air, contributing to the poor air quality in the city.

The shortage of electricity has also led to the increased use of power generators, which often run on substandard and low-quality fuels. These generators emit harmful pollutants, further exacerbating the air pollution problem in Kabul. Additionally, the war has disrupted the supply of clean technology and modern vehicles, leaving residents with no choice but to use outdated and inefficient transportation options.

The lack of proper infrastructure has also impacted the construction of roads and streets. Many roads in Kabul are unpaved, and ongoing construction projects create traffic congestion. This leads to a higher concentration of vehicle emissions in the air, as cars idle in traffic and release toxins into the atmosphere. The destruction of green spaces and the construction of non-standard skyscrapers further contribute to the air pollution problem, as the city loses its natural air purifiers.

Lack of energy sources

Afghanistan has been suffering from a lack of energy sources, which has had a significant impact on the country's air quality. This issue is particularly prevalent in Kabul, the nation's capital and one of the world's most populous cities, with an estimated population of about six million. The shortage of electricity and gas has led to a reliance on alternative energy sources that contribute to air pollution.

The lack of access to sufficient gas and electricity has resulted in residents turning to burning wood, plastic, tires, and even garbage to meet their energy needs, particularly during the harsh winters. This practice not only releases harmful pollutants into the air but also contributes to the depletion of the city's green spaces. According to a survey report by the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), Kabul has lost up to 70% of its greenery since the 1980s due to the lack of adequate energy sources.

The electricity shortage in Kabul has also led to the increased use of power generators, which typically run on low-quality, substandard fuels. These generators not only produce air pollutants but also create noise pollution, further degrading the city's overall environmental quality. Additionally, the shortage of electricity and gas has been exacerbated by high prices, making it difficult for residents to afford cleaner energy options.

The lack of energy sources in Afghanistan is closely tied to the country's decades-long civil war, which has devastated its infrastructure. The war has not only disrupted the supply of energy but has also led to waves of displaced people, contributing to the overcrowding and environmental degradation in cities like Kabul. The war has also diverted attention and resources from environmental issues, as the government struggles with more immediate security concerns and economic challenges.

To address the lack of energy sources and mitigate air pollution, authorities in Afghanistan are working on various initiatives. These include acquiring better pollution-testing facilities, removing inefficient vehicles from the roads, and promoting environmental awareness campaigns. However, implementing these measures comes with its own set of challenges, given the country's ongoing struggles with war, poverty, and economic instability.

Poor quality fuel

One of the main issues is the use of substandard fuels in power generators. Kabul has been facing electricity shortages, which has led to the increased use of generators. These generators rely on poor-quality fuels, such as diesel and gasoline, which emit harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Additionally, the burning of coal, garbage, plastic, rubber, and wood is common among residents, especially during the harsh winters, to meet their energy and heating needs.

The war and civil unrest in Afghanistan have also played a significant role in the prevalence of poor-quality fuel usage. Decades of conflict have wrecked the country's infrastructure, causing energy shortages and displacement of people. The economic hardships resulting from the war have left many Afghans unable to afford cleaner fuel alternatives. This has led to the widespread burning of whatever materials are available, including tires, rubber, and even banned leaded fuels, further degrading the air quality.

The use of outdated and inefficient vehicles also contributes to the problem. Afghanistan has become a dumping ground for old cars, and the lack of technical inspections for imported vehicles exacerbates the issue. These older cars often have poor fuel efficiency and emit higher levels of pollutants, adding to the air pollution in the country.

Furthermore, construction projects and unpaved roads in Kabul contribute to the air pollution caused by poor-quality fuel. The dust and debris from these sites, combined with the emissions from construction equipment, worsen the air quality. The geographical situation of the city, surrounded by dry mountains and hills, also plays a role in trapping the pollutants and affecting air circulation.

Household pollution

Decades of war have wrecked Afghanistan's infrastructure and caused waves of displaced people, which has led to a sharp increase in household pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), household air pollution (HAP) is the most significant environmental health risk factor worldwide. In Afghanistan, it is estimated that HAP causes 27,000 deaths per year, with women and children being particularly vulnerable as they are more likely to stay at home.

The lack of access to clean energy sources such as gas and electricity has forced many Afghans to burn wood, plastic, tires, and even garbage to meet their basic needs for heating and cooking. This practice is especially common in displacement camps, where families have limited resources and must rely on whatever fuel sources they can find. The burning of these materials releases toxic pollutants into the air, contributing to the poor air quality in Afghanistan's cities.

In addition to the lack of clean energy sources, the war has also disrupted the country's infrastructure and economy, making it difficult for people to access affordable, high-quality fuel. Old vehicles and electrical generators using poor-quality fuel also contribute to the problem. The use of low-quality fuel and inefficient vehicles has been identified as a significant source of household air pollution.

The effects of household pollution on health are severe. Exposure to HAP has been linked to respiratory diseases, chest infections, and other health problems, particularly in children. It is also a risk factor for low birth weight, stunting, and pre-term birth. The Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital in Kabul has reported a significant increase in the number of patients with pollution-related health issues, often exceeding their capacity.

To address the issue of household pollution, the Afghan government has launched an environmental awareness campaign and is working to improve pollution testing facilities and remove inefficient vehicles from the roads. However, the country continues to face challenges due to the ongoing war and economic struggles, which have resulted in environmental issues taking a back seat to more immediate security and economic concerns.

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