Almaty Residents Warned of Elevated Air Pollution

Unfavorable meteorological conditions are expected in Almaty on March 9, which may lead to an accumulation of harmful pollutants in the air, Orda.kz reports.

Experts recommend limiting outdoor physical activity and reducing the time spent outside. People suffering from chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular conditions, or allergies are also advised to carry the necessary medication with them.

UMC are a combination of short-term weather factors — such as calm, light wind, fog, and inversion — that contribute to the accumulation of harmful pollutants in the surface layer of the atmosphere.

Earlier, in Oskemen, schoolchildren were switched to distance learning because of toxic smog. Local residents went outside wearing gas masks.

It should be recalled that explosions at oil storage facilities in Tehran led to the release of a large amount of hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere, which caused toxic acid rain. At the same time, on March 8 and 9, social media circulated reports about an alleged “toxic cloud” moving toward Central Asia.

There is still no official confirmation or refutation of this information.

It is known that explosions and fires at oil depots release huge amounts of hydrocarbon compounds, as well as sulfur and nitrogen oxides, into the air. Acid rain can cause chemical burns to the skin, and its vapors are dangerous for the lungs.

Original author: Alexander Smolin

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