Air quality in Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy

What is the current level of pollution in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky?

Kamensk-Shakhtinsky (until 1927 - the village of Kamenskaya, from 1927 to 1929 - the city of Kamensk) is a city in the Rostov region of Russia. It is located on the banks of the Seversky Donets River and is approximately 1000 kilometres from Moscow. According to a census conducted in 2021, Kamensk-Shakhtinsky had an estimated population of approximately 87,000 people.

At the beginning of 2022, Kamensk-Shakhtinsky was experiencing a period of “Moderate” air quality with a US AQI reading of 57. This United States Air Quality Index number is an internationally used set of metrics supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is used to compare the air quality in different cities throughout the world using comparable standards. It is calculated by using the levels of the six most commonly found pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and both sizes of particulate matter, which are PM2.5 and PM10. If all six figures are not always available in which case, a level is calculated by using what data there is. Only PM2.5 was measured here which was recorded as being 14.9 µg/m³.

This level of PM2.5 is one and a half times the recommended safe level of 10 µg/m³ as suggested by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as being an acceptable level. Although no amount of air pollution is considered to be safe.

When air pollution is classified as being “Moderate” the given advice would be to remain indoors as much as possible, closing doors and windows to prevent the ingress of more polluted air. Those who are more sensitive to poor quality air should avoid venturing outside until it improves. If this is unavoidable, then a good quality face mask should be worn at all times. All types of outdoor exercise should be avoided until the air quality improves. There is a downloadable app from AirVisual.com which is suitable for all operating systems and gives the latest information regarding air quality in real-time.

Does the level of air pollution vary much throughout the year in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky?

Air quality can be affected by many things, therefore it can and does change rapidly depending on the local conditions. Looking back at the 2020 figures published by IQAir.com, it can be seen that during the month of May, Kamensk-Shakhtinsky achieved the target figure as recommended by the WHO. This figure needs to be 10 µg/m³ or less. The actual figure was 8.6 µg/m³. The following month of June saw “Good” quality air with a figure of 10.1 µg/m³. The remaining ten months of the year saw air quality from the “Moderate” section with figures between 12.1 and 35.4 µg/m³. The worst month was January with a reading of 23.6 µg/m³.

There were no records for air pollution held before 2020 when the annual average was seen to be 16 µg/m³, but this low figure was almost expected because it would have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as many vehicles were no longer in daily use because the offices were closed and the staff encouraged to work from home, in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus. Many factories and non-essential production units were also required to close which removed their emissions from the atmosphere, albeit on a temporary basis. Worldwide, cities reported a much better quality of air due to the general lack of traffic pollution in city centres due to the pandemic.

Where does all the air pollution come from in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky?

It was recorded in the air of Kamensk-Shakhtinsky the excess of the norms for the content of harmful pollutants due to smoke from wildfires. This was reported to the city administration. In air samples, an excess of sulphur dioxide was found. In case of smog, citizens are advised to avoid morning walks. it is during the morning hours that the concentration of smog in the lower layers of the atmosphere reaches its highest values. In addition, at night and in the morning, it is recommended not to open windows and humidify the air in the apartment.

Krasnoyarsk is one of the ten industrial cities in Russia, where the air situation is quite serious. Citizens complain about the strong smell and lack of visibility.

Can anything be done to improve air quality in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky?

Global environmental problems associated with climate change, loss of biological diversity, desertification and other negative processes for the environment, increased environmental damage from natural and man-made disasters, pollution of atmospheric air, surface and ground waters, as well as the marine environment, affect the interests of the Russian Federation and its citizens.

What are the detrimental effects of breathing in polluted air?

A substance classified in the first hazard class is benzo(a)pyrene. This substance is a by-product of burning carbonaceous objects. It is found in cigarette smoke, fried or smoked foods, and industrial waste. Benz(a)pyrene is present in the air and also in some water sources.

Formaldehyde is a colourless gas with a strong odour and belongs to the second hazard class.

It is found in resins used in the production of composite wood products, building materials. Also found in adhesives, paints, varnishes and coatings, fertilizers and preservatives.

Benz(a)pyrene and formaldehyde are carcinogenic at high concentrations even for a short period of time. The main source of formaldehyde, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide is motor transport. Exposure to formaldehyde can lead to adverse health effects. It can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat. High levels of formaldehyde exposure have also been linked to certain types of cancer.

Phenol also belongs to the second hazard class. It is found in industrial emissions, exhaust gases, cigarette smoke. When air containing phenol is inhaled, most of the substance quickly enters the lungs. It has a general toxic effect, causes disturbances in the activity of the cardiovascular system, and irritates the skin.

Another representative of the third class is sulphur dioxide. The main source of its emissions is exhaust gases and the process of combustion of industrial fuels.

Particularly high sensitivity to sulphur dioxide is observed in people with chronic respiratory disorders, with asthma.

The fourth hazard class includes carbon monoxide. This substance is a product of incomplete combustion of wood. Motor vehicles are also the most important source of its release into the atmosphere.