Residents in Kyiv asked to stay indoors as air pollution blankets Ukrainian capital

A delivery cyclist wearing a face mask cycles down a street in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, on a day with poor air quality.
| Photo Credit: AP

Authorities in Ukraine recommended that residents in Kyiv stay indoors on Friday, September 20, 2024, due to high levels of air pollution caused by fires in the region.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources in Ukraine stated that the pollution was a result of wildfires burning in the area, along with fluctuations in autumn temperatures.

Residents woke up to thick smog and the smell of fires in the air, prompting some to wear masks while outdoors.

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According to IQAir, a Swiss company monitoring air quality levels, Kyiv was ranked as the most polluted major city early on Friday, but the air quality improved later in the day.

The Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change in Kyiv attributed the pollution to fires in the Kyiv region, particularly in the Vyshhorod district north of the capital.

Officials warned of high concentrations of suspended particles in the air, reaching maximum levels in some parts of the city.

While human-induced climate change does not directly cause fires, it can contribute to the conditions that make wildfires more likely to occur and spread. The increase in forest fires globally has been a growing concern, with significant impacts on air quality.

Residents were advised to take precautions such as closing windows, limiting outdoor activities, staying hydrated, and using air purifiers, especially individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

The Ministry of Ecology emphasized the impact of autumn temperature changes on air quality, trapping harmful substances and exacerbating pollution levels.