Oskemen Residents Complain of Severe Air Pollution

Residents of Oskemen are once again reporting unbearable air quality. On the morning of October 22, the city was covered in a thick “fog,” which, as it turned out, was not a weather phenomenon at all. Sulfur dioxide levels in the air were nearly three times higher than normal, Orda.kz reports.

Sulfur dioxide levels in the air have exceeded the legal limit by 2.9 times, and hydrogen sulfide levels by 1.8 times. The highest readings were recorded at Post No. 4, located at 44 Shiroka Street,
 the measurements showed.

Residents have been sharing videos and complaints on social media, saying the air smells strongly of gas and smoke and causes irritation.

Many parents are calling for a switch to distance learning.

Despite widespread concern, the city’s education department said there were no grounds for switching schools to remote learning.

Currently, educational institutions continue to operate as usual. There are no grounds for canceling classes,
 the department stated.

Some parents, however, chose not to send their children to school.

Last year, classes in Oskemen were suspended due to adverse weather conditions — the first such case, even though the city is known for its industrial pollution and recurring smog.

The editorial team has sent inquiries to the Ministry of Ecology and the Oskemen Akimat regarding the causes and expected duration of the pollution.

Original Author: Elena Medvedeva