After a long, exhausting day, we escape the crowds of the suffocating city and retreat into the comfort of our homes. Leaving the world and all its chaos behind, even for a short time, can be a relief. But then, an unexpected headache pulls us back into that chaos, reminding us of the invisible forces still at play.
Air pollution works much the same way. An unseen danger, always present, always lingering. Its most powerful weapon is its invisibility, the way it cloaks the city in a silent threat.
So, let’s ask the question from the start. How aware are we of the air we breathe?
We took a closer look at Turkey’s silent killer.
Story and curation by Ilgaz Fakıoğlu
Edited by Mahir Boztepe
The issue of air pollution was once again brought to the forefront with the release of the 2023 World Air Quality Report by IQAir, a Swiss-based air quality technology company. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of global air quality and the impact of pollution. Data from nearly 30,000 monitoring stations in 7,812 cities around the world was examined. The primary metric used was the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) per cubic meter.
According to the report, only seven countries worldwide met the air quality standards defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). In these countries, people were able to breathe what qualifies as “clean air.” Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand were the only nations to achieve this threshold.
Photo caption: Athens under a cloud of desert dust. Depophotos #18279218
According to IQAir’s 2023 report, many cities across Asia are breathing the world’s most polluted air. Countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh rank among those with the highest levels of air pollution. In these regions, billions of people are exposed to pollution levels far above the PM2.5 guidelines set by the World Health Organization.
Photo caption: Depophotos
The health risks of air pollution become even more severe when it comes to fine particulate matter, known as PM10 and PM2.5. PM10 particles, which are larger in size, typically originate from construction dust, road traffic, and industrial activities. Though they are not always visible, these particles can accumulate in the respiratory system and lead to a range of health problems.
PM2.5 particles are much smaller and far more dangerous. They are released through combustion processes, such as motor vehicle emissions, power plants, forest fires, and certain industrial activities. Because of their tiny size, PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into lung tissue and enter the bloodstream. This exposure has been linked to serious health conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Photo caption: Air pollution in Istanbul. Depophotos #15164640
Frank Hammes, Global CEO of IQAir, highlights that air pollution significantly shortens life expectancy. In the world’s most polluted countries, he notes, people’s lifespans are reduced by three to six years on average.
According to data published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the combined effects of outdoor and indoor air pollution are responsible for the premature deaths of 6.7 million people every year. The report also points out that women and children bear the greatest health burden, largely due to exposure to polluting fuels and outdated technologies.
Studies show that hospital admissions and deaths among asthma patients have increased over the past 40 years due to air pollution.
According to IQAir’s 2023 World Air Quality Report, Turkey ranks 44th in global air pollution levels. The country’s air pollution, particularly in major cities, remains above the global average. PM2.5 levels in metropolitan areas such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are consistently higher than the safety limits set by the World Health Organization.
IQAir data highlights Istanbul as one of the most polluted megacities in terms of air quality. The highest pollution levels are recorded between January and May, and again in November and December.
According to compiled data, the primary pollutants contributing to Istanbul’s air pollution include nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
Istanbul ranks among the world’s most polluted megacities
Many districts in the city are densely populated areas where heavy traffic and industrial activity are part of daily life.
Reports indicate that some of Istanbul’s main residential areas are also among those with the poorest air quality.
Districts such as Kartal, Kadıköy, Ümraniye, Fatih, Esenyurt, Kağıthane, and Şişli record particularly high levels of air pollution.
By contrast, Istanbul’s “luckier” districts in terms of air quality include the Princes' Islands (Adalar), Sarıyer, and Şile.
The neighborhood of Göztepe, located within Kadıköy, consistently ranks among the areas with the highest levels of air pollution in Istanbul.
The annual PM10 pollution level in Göztepe has been measured at 94.9 micrograms per cubic meter.
Göztepe’s role as a major hub for transportation, industry, and urban redevelopment contributes to its poor air quality. The area is also impacted by pollution from the D-100 highway and large-scale urban transformation projects concentrated around Fikirtepe and Bağdat Avenue.
Today, around 50,000 people live in the Fikirtepe urban renewal zone and its surrounding areas.
Much of the new development in Göztepe has favored vertical architecture.
Many new high-rise apartment buildings, particularly near Bağdat Avenue.
Experts interviewed by Scrolli point out that Turkey faces critical obligations in tackling air pollution.
Professor Dr. Mustafa Öztürk, who served as Undersecretary at the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization between 2014 and 2018, emphasizes that Turkey must align with European Union standards to effectively combat air pollution.
Professor Öztürk stresses the urgent need to reduce PM2.5 pollution to meet EU norms. “PM2.5 particles can reach deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems,” he explains. “The European Union plans to reduce the PM2.5 limit to 10 micrograms per cubic meter by 2030. Turkey needs to implement similar policies. In Europe, over 200,000 people die each year due to PM2.5 pollution. In most parts of Turkey, PM2.5 is not regularly measured, which means we lack a clear understanding of its health impacts. Comprehensive health screenings and pollution studies should be conducted in cooperation with hospitals and expert teams.”
Photo caption: A view of Ankara from Ankara Castle. Depophotos #14995695
Professor Öztürk also points to the impact of climate and temperature increases on air pollution.
“As temperature inversion intensifies, temperatures rise with altitude, trapping polluted air closer to the ground,” he says. “This phenomenon tends to occur more frequently in low-lying areas. Göztepe, being located in a low-lying zone, is particularly vulnerable to these conditions. Surrounded by buildings and heavy traffic, and affected by ongoing construction activities, the area faces severe pollution challenges.”
Many organizations emphasize that the most effective solution to air pollution is reducing the use of fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Solar, wind, and geothermal energy can significantly reduce air pollution by providing clean energy alternatives.
Experts also highlight the importance of increasing the use of electric vehicles, phasing out older, more polluting vehicles, and improving public transportation systems. These steps are considered key to improving air quality in cities in the short term.
Story: Ilgaz Fakıoğlu
Edit: Mahir Boztepe
Special Thanks: Prof. Dr. Mustafa Öztürk
Resources: IQAir, WHO, Waqi
3D: Respiratory System by Vikrama Raghuraman on Sketchfab, Any Conv Com Human Respiratory System Review by husamalmorr on Sketchfab
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