Ecologists say air pollutants in Bishkek exceed norm 12 times, environmental watchdog denies it

AKIPRESS.COM - The air pollution in Bishkek exceeds the norms from 6 to 12 times, environmentalist Baktigul Stakeyeva, representative of the Move Green NGO, told AKIpress.
She cited the results of measurements of the air in different parts of Bishkek.
"Near Osh bazaar the concentration of pollutants made 430 micrograms with the norm of 35 micrograms - this is 12 times more than the norm. On the cross of Moskovskaya and Umetalieva streets - 284 micrograms, this is 8 times more than the norm. Almost 6-times excess of the norm is observed in the 7th microdistrict and same air pollution is observed in Vostok-5 microdistrict. This are the results for the last 24 hours," she said.
The environmentalist said such concentration of air pollutants is harmful for respiratory organs. For this reason, she urged citizens to wear face masks.
"The maximum exposure lasts 20-30 minutes. The norm is 160 micrograms. If we breath 160 micrograms during 20-30 minutes, this will affect us already. This means a person staying outdoor more than half hour will face certain negative implications," the environmentalist said.
However, the State Environmental Protection Agency denied the results of air pollution measurement by the Move Green NGO indicating the air pollution exceeds the norms 12 times. The environmental watchdog claimed the current air pollutants exceed the norm only 2 times. The measurers of the Move Green have not been accredited and not registered with the Kyrgystandard agency, it said.
"The analysis of results by the Move Green are ungrounded," the agency added.
High and extremely high air pollution was not observed. The most intensive source of air pollution are vehicles, it said. "240,000 tons of pollutants are emitted into the air annually, 180,000 tons come from vehicles. Industrial emissions make only 10%, whereas 90% come from cars," the agency said.
The environmental watchdog plans to set up a special station to monitor the air quality in the capital city. The agency plans to identify sources of smog in Bishkek using multi-purpose drones.