Istanbul Records Significant Drop in Air Pollution
Istanbul, April 15 – Air pollution in Istanbul experienced a notable decrease of 24% in March 2026 compared to March 2025, according to a study conducted by Istanbul Technical University (ITU). The findings, based on data from air quality measurement stations, indicate an improvement in the city’s air quality.
Methodology and Findings of the Study
The study, led by Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Toros from ITU’s Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Department of Climate Science and Meteorological Engineering, analyzed particulate matter (PM10) levels recorded by air quality monitoring stations of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM).
The average particulate matter concentration across 24 stations in Istanbul was measured at 30.6 micrograms per cubic meter in March 2026, a significant reduction from 40.3 micrograms per cubic meter in March 2025. This represents a 24% decrease in particulate matter-related air pollution year-on-year.
Stations with Highest and Lowest Pollution Levels
In March 2026, the station with the highest particulate matter air pollution was “Sultangazi 3”, recording 59.5 micrograms per cubic meter. This was followed by “Kağıthane” with 54 micrograms per cubic meter and “Sultangazi 2” with 46.9 micrograms per cubic meter.
Conversely, the lowest air pollution levels were observed at the “Sultangazi 1” station, with 9.2 micrograms per cubic meter. “Büyükada” recorded 16.9 micrograms, while “Kumköy” and “Ümraniye 1” both measured 18.1 micrograms per cubic meter.
The study revealed that particulate matter air pollution decreased at 19 stations across the city, while 5 stations experienced an increase. The most significant decrease, an impressive 81%, was observed at “Sultangazi 1”, followed by “Ümraniye 1” with 48% and “Beşiktaş” with 47%.
However, some areas saw an increase in pollution. “Arnavutköy” recorded a 74% increase in particulate matter air pollution in January compared to the same period last year, and “Sancaktepe” saw a 46% rise.
Best and Worst Times for Air Quality
Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Toros, head of ITU’s Department of Climate Science and Meteorological Engineering, highlighted that the cleanest air in Istanbul is typically between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The most polluted hours are observed in the morning, between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
“In the mornings, with the increase in traffic and activity, air pollution rises,” explained Prof. Dr. Toros. “In the afternoon, as the air warms up, vertical air movements increase, and pollutants disperse.”
Impact on Health and Contributing Factors
Prof. Dr. Toros emphasized the critical impact of inhaled air on human health, noting that an individual breathes an average of 10-15 kilograms of air daily. Particulates in the air can reach the lungs through the respiratory system and subsequently affect the cardiovascular system and the brain.
Improving air quality directly enhances the quality of life and yields positive outcomes for healthcare expenditures and labor productivity. Prof. Dr. Toros stressed the collective responsibility of all segments of society to improve air quality, advocating for joint efforts to reduce pollutant emissions in various sectors, including vehicle usage, fuel quality, industrial facilities, and environmental cleanliness.
“When comparing March 2025 and March 2026, we don’t observe significant changes in our daily lives, industrial facilities, or mobility,” stated Prof. Dr. Toros. “Meteorologically, 2026 was wetter, with more low-pressure systems, which means more dynamic air. Increased upward air movements led to faster pollutant dispersion. Therefore, we are experiencing cleaner air in 2026 compared to 2025.”
Source: trthaber.com
