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Air pollution is one of the key environmental issues in Armenia, especially relevant during the winter season when the heating period and stagnant air due to geographical and climatic features increase the concentration of harmful substances. In large cities like Yerevan, high levels of vehicle emissions, the use of solid fuel for heating, and dust from surrounding landscapes create dangerous conditions for health.
«Could it just be fog and not smog from pollution?» skeptics may ask. In fact, distinguishing smog from fog is quite simple. Fog only occurs with high humidity and when the temperature drops to the dew point. It appears whitish or grayish, evenly covering the area, and has no smell. Smog, on the other hand, often has a yellowish or brownish tint, is accompanied by the smell of smoke or chemicals, and causes discomfort when breathing.
During winter, Yerevan and the Ararat Valley often experience a phenomenon called «temperature inversion». Cold air gets trapped under a layer of warm air, preventing vertical air mixing and leaving pollutants near the ground. This leads to the accumulation of smog from vehicle emissions, heating systems, and industry, drastically deteriorating air quality. Therefore, monitoring pollution levels during winter is especially important.
Particulate matter (PM) are microscopic particles in the air measuring less than 10 micrometers (PM10) and 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) in size. These particles irritate the respiratory tract, cause coughing, worsen symptoms of asthma and bronchitis, and increase the risk of cardiovascular and oncological diseases. PM2.5 is particularly dangerous as it can enter the bloodstream through the lungs.
In Armenia, the main sources are vehicle exhaust gases, burning of solid fuels (wood, coal), industrial production, and dust from roads and surrounding mountainous landscapes.
It is important to note that Armenia currently does not have established standards for PM2.5 and PM10 concentration in ambient air. This complicates air quality control at the governmental level and makes independent monitoring particularly important.
PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations are used to calculate the Air Quality Index (AQI) on our website.
Learn more about particulate matter and its health effects.
Airborne dust consists of suspended solid particles of various origins and sizes, including mineral soil particles, sand, weathered rock products, and organic components.
In Armenia, the main sources of dust are soil erosion in arid areas, especially in spring and summer, construction activities, road surfaces, agricultural activities, and natural rock weathering in continental climate conditions.
Elevated dust concentrations in the air cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract, can intensify allergy and asthma symptoms, and reduce visibility.
Armenia has established a daily average MPC for dust: 150 μg/m³.
Dust concentration monitoring is conducted by government air quality monitoring stations in Armenia, whose data we collect and publish on our website.
NO2 is a pungent gas with a characteristic smell and is one of the main air pollutants. It is formed during fuel combustion, especially from vehicle engines and heating systems.
NO2 irritates the respiratory tract, increases the risk of respiratory infections, worsens asthma symptoms, and may contribute to the development of chronic lung diseases.
Armenia has established a daily average MPC for NO2: 40 μg/m³.
NO2 monitoring is conducted by government observation stations, whose data we aggregate and publish on our website. NO2 concentration is used to calculate the Air Quality Index (AQI) on our website.
SO2 is a toxic gas with a sharp odor that is produced when sulfur-containing materials are burned. The main sources are coal-fired power plants, industrial production, and heating with low-quality fuels.
Inhalation of sulfur dioxide irritates the respiratory tract, causes coughing, shortness of breath, and can trigger asthma attacks. Prolonged exposure is linked to chronic lung diseases.
In Armenia, its concentrations are higher in winter, especially in areas where coal is used for heating.
Armenia has established a daily average MPC for SO2: 50 μg/m³.
SO2 monitoring is conducted by government observation stations, whose data we aggregate and publish on our website.
Tropospheric ozone is a secondary pollutant formed through the reaction of sunlight with exhaust gases. The main sources are vehicle emissions and industrial facilities.
Ozone can cause irritation to the eyes, throat, and lungs, exacerbate asthma symptoms, and cause chronic damage to the respiratory system. Its concentrations are typically higher in summer, especially on sunny days.
Armenia has established a daily average MPC for O3: 30 μg/m³.
O3 monitoring is conducted by government observation stations, whose data we aggregate and publish on our website.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced during incomplete fuel combustion. Major sources include vehicle exhaust, faulty heating devices, and fires. Carbon monoxide blocks the transport of oxygen by the blood, leading to headaches, weakness, nausea, and at high levels, poisoning or even death.
PAHs are a group of chemical compounds formed during the burning of coal, wood, oil, and other organic substances. PAHs have carcinogenic properties, increasing the risk of lung, skin, and other types of cancer. They also cause inflammation and may affect fetal development.
Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound used in building materials and some household products. It causes irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Prolonged exposure is associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly of the respiratory tract. Furniture made of particleboard can emit formaldehyde for a long time, making it essential to buy high-quality furniture and regularly ventilate spaces.
