Afghanistan's Air Pollution: A Deadly Crisis

Afghanistan has long been plagued by issues such as conflict and illicit natural resource extraction, but another silent killer is wreaking havoc on the country: air pollution. In 2019, air pollution in Afghanistan contributed to a staggering 37,033 deaths, with thousands more dying from related causes each year. The capital city of Kabul is notorious for its poor air quality, with high levels of man-made emissions, inadequate urban planning, and limited green spaces. During the winter months, the problem is exacerbated as residents burn wood and coal for heating, resulting in toxic clouds of smoke and dust. With pollution levels comparable to those of its rapidly growing neighbours, Afghanistan faces significant challenges in addressing this deadly issue.

Household air pollution causes over 27,000 deaths per year

Afghanistan has long been plagued by issues such as conflict, poor infrastructure, and corruption. These issues have contributed to the country's severe air pollution problem, which poses a significant risk to the health of its citizens.

Household air pollution (HAP), caused by indoor sources, is a major issue in Afghanistan. In particular, rural areas that rely on traditional cooking methods are affected by indoor pollution, which specifically impacts vulnerable populations such as women and children. Women and children are more susceptible to the effects of HAP because they typically spend more time at home than men. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HAP is the single most important environmental health risk factor worldwide.

In Afghanistan, HAP is estimated to cause over 27,000 deaths per year. This figure represents the number of people who die due to exposure to indoor air pollution, primarily from the combustion of solid fuels. The use of traditional cooking methods, such as burning wood, coal, or other synthetic materials for heating and cooking, contributes to the high levels of HAP in Afghanistan. Poor and displaced people often lack access to modern fuels and are forced to burn whatever materials they can find, such as plastic, contributing to both indoor and outdoor pollution.

The effects of HAP are not limited to immediate health risks but also include long-term impacts on health and development. Strong epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to HAP contributes to low birth weight, stunting, and pre-term births. The children of poor and displaced families are particularly vulnerable to these effects, as they are often exposed to both HAP and poor sanitation. Diarrhoeal diseases, caused by inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, contribute to an estimated 10,000 deaths per year in Afghanistan, mainly among children under five.

The Afghan government and international organizations have recognized the severity of the country's air pollution problem and are working to address it. Initiatives such as tighter vehicle emissions standards, the allocation of land for green spaces, and the establishment of an Environmental Health Task Force are being implemented to improve air quality and mitigate the health risks associated with HAP and ambient air pollution. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, and Afghanistan continues to face significant challenges in reducing air pollution and protecting the health of its citizens.

Ambient air pollution causes over 11,000 deaths annually

Afghanistan has long suffered from the effects of a protracted armed conflict, but away from the glare of publicity, Afghans are facing another silent but deadly killer: air pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), environmental risks constitute 26% of all deaths in Afghanistan, with household air pollution being the single most important environmental health risk factor.

In 2019, Afghanistan was ranked fourth globally in the Air Quality Index (AQI) assessment of PM2.5 levels, indicating a notable standing among countries experiencing elevated pollution levels. The capital and largest city of Afghanistan, Kabul, recorded a PM2.5 reading of 58.8 μg/m³ in 2019 (mean annual value), ranking it as the 70th most polluted city globally. While climatic and geographical factors play a role in influencing air movements in the city, these are exacerbated by high levels of manmade emissions. These include the use of leaded and poor-quality fuels in vehicles and domestic generators, light industrial sources, and the burning of waste, plastics, coal, and rubber.

The problem is particularly acute during the winter when residents rely on wood and coal for heating. The prevalence of respiratory diseases also worsens during the winter seasons as most inhabitants from low-income strata rely on non-sustainable practices to generate heat due to recurrent electricity shortages. The high prevalence of smoking tobacco in Afghanistan (21.9% of men and 3.4% of women) further contributes to the problem.

According to WHO estimates, household air pollution causes approximately 27,000 deaths per year in Afghanistan, while ambient or outdoor air pollution causes over 11,000 deaths annually. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, as they tend to stay at home more than men and are exposed to indoor pollution from traditional cooking methods and solid fuels. The impact of air pollution on health is significant, contributing to an increased burden of diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, and lung cancer.

The Afghan authorities are aware of the problem and are seeking to address it. Initiatives to combat air pollution in Kabul include tighter vehicle emissions standards, a proposed green belt, and plans to allocate more land to green spaces in the city. However, many residents remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures due to corruption and the lack of parallel efforts to address the root causes of air pollution.

Afghanistan's air pollution is among the worst in the world

The main sources of air pollution in Afghanistan include industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and domestic heating and cooking practices. The burning of wood, coal, waste, plastics, and other synthetic materials contributes significantly to the degradation of air quality, especially during the colder winter months when the polluted air is trapped closer to the ground. Rapid population growth, inadequate urban planning, and limited green spaces further exacerbate the problem.

The health impacts of air pollution in Afghanistan are severe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), household air pollution (HAP) is the single most important environmental health risk factor in the country, causing over 27,000 deaths per year. Ambient air pollution (outdoor) also leads to over 11,000 deaths annually, and an additional 3,000 Afghans die from second-hand smoke exposure each year. The effects of air pollution are particularly harmful to vulnerable populations such as women and children, who are more likely to be exposed to indoor air pollution due to cultural norms and a lack of access to clean water and sanitation.

The Afghan government and international organizations have recognized the urgency of addressing air pollution. Efforts to combat pollution in Kabul include tighter vehicle emissions standards, the proposed development of green spaces, and the establishment of a High Committee for the Prevention of Air Pollution. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains to be seen, and corruption and a lack of comprehensive monitoring systems may hinder progress.

The combination of industrial activities, daily habits, geographical factors, and the impacts of conflict have contributed to Afghanistan's poor air quality. With pollution causing thousands of deaths and various health issues, it is imperative that targeted interventions and sustainable solutions are implemented to address this public health crisis.

Kabul is notorious for poor air quality

Afghanistan has long been affected by a highly publicised armed conflict, but away from the media attention, the country's residents are facing another deadly issue: air pollution. In 2019, air pollution in Afghanistan was associated with significant health impacts, contributing to around 37,033 deaths, or 14.72% of total deaths in the country. The Health Effects Institute's State of Global Air project estimates that air pollution was responsible for 51,600 deaths in Afghanistan in 2016, with an annual rate of 406 deaths per 100,000 people.

Kabul, the country's capital, is notorious for its poor air quality. With an altitude of 1,800m above sea level, and nestled in a narrow valley between the Hindu Kush mountains, Kabul is one of the world's highest capitals. The city's geographical location influences air movements, but these natural factors are exacerbated by high levels of manmade emissions. These include the use of leaded and poor-quality fuels in vehicles and domestic generators, light industrial sources, and the burning of waste, plastics, coal and rubber.

Rapid population growth, inadequate urban planning, and a lack of green spaces have also contributed to the poor air quality in Kabul. The problem is particularly severe during the winter, when temperatures can drop to below zero and residents rely on wood and coal for heating. For several weeks in a row, the city is often covered by a toxic haze of particulate matter—small and often invisible particles of dust and soot.

The government has started to address the issue, with the Chief Executive of the republic, Dr Abdullah Abdullah, convening a High Committee for the Prevention of Air Pollution. The Directorate for Natural Resources has also announced a $40 million plan to allocate 10,000 hectares of land for new green spaces in Kabul. Additionally, the UN Environment team in Kabul has conducted rapid assessments of the concentration of airborne particulate matter, and the government is now conducting spot monitoring of air quality around the city using portable equipment. However, there is still a need for more comprehensive and accurate monitoring of air pollution to provide reliable data.

Afghanistan's air pollution is exacerbated by human activity

During the winter months, Afghanistan experiences its worst pollution readings. The cold weather traps the polluted air, preventing it from rising and dispersing. Residents, especially those lacking proper access to electricity or facing poverty, burn wood, waste, animal fats, plastics, and other synthetic materials for heating, leading to increased indoor pollution. This practice is particularly common in rural areas, affecting vulnerable populations like women and children who spend more time indoors.

The use of leaded and poor-quality fuels in vehicles and domestic generators, light industrial sources, and the operation of brick kilns also play a significant role in air pollution. The capital city's population has tripled in the past decade, resulting in a substantial increase in vehicle emissions and burning practices. Many of these vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, and trucks, are outdated and lack modern emission standards.

Additionally, the impact of human activity on Afghanistan's air quality is evident in the industrial areas and day-to-day habits of citizens. The recycling of plastics and electronics can release noxious fumes, and the increased use of personal vehicles contributes to ambient air pollution. The limited provision of green spaces and inadequate water and sanitation systems further exacerbate the problem.

The health effects of air pollution in Afghanistan are severe, with an estimated 27,000 deaths attributed to household air pollution (HAP) and 11,000 deaths due to ambient air pollution annually. Exposure to HAP also contributes to low birth weight, stunting, and pre-term births. The combination of human activities and geographical factors has made air pollution a significant risk factor for various diseases and a substantial public health threat in Afghanistan.

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