Enab Baladi – Amir Huquq

Damascus is experiencing a continuous rise in environmental pollution levels, particularly air pollution, which affects the quality of ambient air and poses a threat to both the environment and human health.

According to AccuWeather, a website specializing in air quality measurement, Damascus has an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 53, classified as “poor.” The platform considers any value at 48 or below to be acceptable, while “excellent” quality is defined as an AQI of 13 or below.

For comparison, AQI data shows Germany’s air quality index at 31, classified as “good,” and Turkey’s at 41, also considered “good.”

Dense Dust Among the Primary Causes

Environmental and health bodies in Damascus attribute the rising air pollution levels to population density, emissions from factories surrounding the city, vehicle exhaust, power generators, and public transportation.

Youssef Sharaf, Deputy Minister of Local Administration for Environmental Affairs, told Enab Baladi that the ministry has prioritized environmental concerns to achieve sustainable development and reduce pollution.

The environment is among the most affected national sectors, with pollution stemming from various sources. One of the sudden causes of increased pollution in Damascus has been the spread of dense dust from demolition operations, in addition to pollutants emitted from burning fuel in transport, industrial, and electrical facilities using low-quality fuel.

Sharaf also noted that explosion-related emissions contributed to air pollution, raising concentrations of airborne particulates and dust and increasing CO₂ levels in the atmosphere. “This is in addition to smoke columns rising from various locations and the increased presence of airborne pollutants, all of which have had catastrophic consequences for public health, the economy, and the environment alike,” he said.

Regarding pollution types, Sharaf explained that air pollutants fall into the following categories:

• Gases

• Heavy metals

• Particulate matter

• Secondary air pollutants

60–70% of Pollution from Vehicle Emissions

The deputy minister revealed that vehicle emissions account for 60–70% of Damascus’s air pollution, especially old vehicles and microbuses operating on diesel fuel. The high sulfur content (0.7%) in the fuel increases the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and fine particulates (PM2.5 and PM10).

Regarding unregulated power generators, which have spread across residential neighborhoods due to frequent electricity cuts, he stated they run for up to 16 hours daily and emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx)—further contributing to air pollution and causing respiratory illnesses.

Unlicensed factories in some industrial zones—such as battery plants in the Ahda Ashariyah area—emit heavy metals like lead, which exceed internationally permitted levels. Stone crushers and quarries increase dust and particulate matter, especially around Damascus. In some neighborhoods, waste is burned indiscriminately, releasing toxic gases such as dioxins and fine particulates, according to Sharaf.

A Plan to Assess the Environmental Situation

The growing air pollution and its direct impact on residents’ respiratory health necessitate urgent measures to curb the escalating contamination.

Sharaf pointed out that the ministry, through its provincial environmental directorates, follows a periodic plan to monitor pollution from potential sources and responds to citizen complaints. The ministry applies Syrian standards for permissible pollutant concentrations.

Additionally, the ministry is developing a plan to study the environmental reality, in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, through its environmental directorates. It is also evaluating the current situation and reviewing the readiness of all affiliated bodies to enforce the Environmental Law. Scientific foundations are being established to support the reconstruction phase, integrating environmental standards and sustainable development goals in line with current conditions.

Sharaf added that studies are underway to improve transportation systems, reduce reliance on unregulated generators by establishing licensing criteria for their operation, and promote solar energy use in homes and shops as a clean alternative. The ministry also aims to activate environmental assessments for factories and set environmental protection conditions in licensing, alongside post-operation monitoring plans.

Impact on Health

Respiratory illnesses are closely tied to air quality levels. Air pollution is a leading cause of increased respiratory diseases, particularly chronic conditions such as asthma and allergic respiratory disorders.

According to Youssef Sharaf, outdoor air pollution is one of the most significant environmental health problems affecting humans. He emphasized that exposure to fine particulate matter causes cardiovascular diseases, various respiratory illnesses, certain cancers, and allergic conditions. Heavy metals such as lead have cumulative effects that increase their toxicity and impact on health.

For his part, Dr. Nabough al-Awa, a professor at the University of Damascus and a specialist in ear, nose, and throat diseases, told Enab Baladi that the increase in air pollution has raised respiratory illnesses, especially bronchial and lung diseases, potentially leading to respiratory failure.

He explained that air pollution reduces oxygen levels, endangering patients with chronic lung conditions. Dr. al-Awa confirmed a sharp increase in respiratory diseases recently.

He noted that while air pollution is not a new phenomenon in Damascus, it has intensified rapidly in recent months due to population growth, increased visitors from other provinces, and the unregulated rise in vehicles on the streets. He called for collective efforts to improve environmental standards by regulating pollution sources, thereby enhancing air quality and curbing disease spread.

Dr. al-Awa advised people with chronic respiratory conditions to avoid crowded areas and heavy traffic, stay away from dust, smoke, and fires, wear face masks, and take vitamins D and C to strengthen the immune system.

Health Effects of Air Pollution

Air pollution affects the respiratory system and causes a range of health problems. Fine particles, volatile organic compounds, and airborne toxins can deeply penetrate the lungs, resulting in:

• Increased risk of respiratory infections

• Worsening asthma symptoms

• Development of respiratory allergies

• Decline in lung function over time

• Breathing difficulties: shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing deeply