What Is Happening?

In 2025, air pollution in Tashkent has reached unprecedented levels, making it one of the most polluted cities in the region. Recent measurements show PM₂.₅ concentrations exceeding 180 µg/m³, which is far above the World Health Organization’s safe limit. (IQAir, 2025) Dust from the nearby deserts, combined with sand and soil particles from construction sites, contributes heavily to the problem. Industrial emissions from power plants, factories, and vehicles, along with the widespread use of coal and low-quality fuel for heating, release smoke and toxic gases into the air. Rapid urbanization has left few green areas in the city, reducing natural barriers that could filter out dust and pollutants.

Seasonal factors also worsen the problem. During winter, temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, causing the haze to linger for days. In spring and summer, strong winds can carry dust from desert regions, while construction and roadwork generate additional particulate matter. Even daily activities, like burning trash or fuel for heating, add to the cumulative pollution load. On high-pollution days, visibility decreases, streets become covered with dust, and residents report that it settles on homes, cars, and public spaces, creating an uncomfortable living environment.

The 2025 reports indicate that pollution levels are consistently exceeding safe thresholds, not just during typical seasonal peaks but throughout much of the year. This has made air pollution a constant concern for residents, affecting outdoor activities, commuting, and overall quality of life. Vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk as the polluted air penetrates indoor spaces and lingers in homes. As Tashkent continues to grow and industrialize, experts warn that the situation could worsen unless immediate measures are taken to control emissions, reduce dust, and expand green urban areas.

Why This Matters

The health and daily life of Tashkent residents are severely affected by the city’s high air pollution levels. Fine particulate matter, or PM₂.₅, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing serious health problems over both the short and long term. Children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs and immune systems are still developing. Exposure to polluted air can trigger asthma, bronchitis, respiratory infections, and other chronic lung conditions in young people. The elderly, who often have pre-existing health issues, face a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, strokes, and even premature death due to prolonged exposure to fine particles.

Air pollution also affects people’s homes and living conditions. Dust and smoke accumulate on furniture, walls, and clothing, requiring frequent cleaning and creating uncomfortable indoor environments. Stagnant, polluted air can seep indoors even when windows are closed, especially in homes without air purifiers or proper ventilation systems. Families living near industrial areas, busy roads, or places with poor waste management face higher exposure, which further increases their health risks.

Beyond individual health, the social and economic consequences are significant. Hospitals experience surges in patients with respiratory or heart-related problems during periods of high pollution, putting strain on medical staff and resources. Parents may keep children home from

school during hazardous air days, and adults may miss work due to illness, reducing productivity. Long-term exposure also contributes to chronic illnesses that require ongoing treatment, increasing medical expenses for families. Air pollution, therefore, is not only an environmental problem but a serious public health issue that affects children, the elderly, households, and the broader community.

What We Can Do

Individuals can take several steps to protect themselves from harmful air pollution in Tashkent. Wearing high-quality masks, such as N95 respirators, is essential on days when PM₂.₅ levels are high. Staying indoors during peak pollution hours and keeping windows closed can reduce exposure, while using air purifiers at home can help filter out fine particles. People should monitor real-time air-quality updates through mobile apps, government alerts, or local news, so they can plan outdoor activities safely. Families can also teach children simple habits to avoid inhaling dust, such as washing hands and faces after being outside, and limiting outdoor sports when the air is

heavily polluted.

Communities can play a key role in reducing pollution and its effects. Organizing local clean-up campaigns helps remove dust, debris, and trash that contribute to poor air quality. Planting trees and creating green spaces in neighborhoods not only beautifies the area but also naturally filters pollutants and reduces dust accumulation. Citizens can advocate for better waste management and cleaner energy alternatives, encouraging local authorities and businesses to reduce emissions. Sharing information with neighbors about pollution levels and protective measures strengthens community awareness and ensures that more people can take precautions before health risks arise.

Lifestyle changes can also make a difference. Reducing the use of personal vehicles when possible, walking, cycling, or using public transportation can help lower overall emissions. People can also avoid burning wood, coal, or trash at home, which adds to the pollution problem. Small habits, like covering construction materials, cleaning dust from roads, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives, collectively contribute to improving air quality. 

Education is another important tool. Schools and community centers can host workshops on how to reduce exposure and protect health, teaching children and adults alike how pollution affects the body and what steps they can take to stay safe. Individuals and communities can participate in citizen science projects, such as monitoring local air quality or reporting pollution sources, to help authorities track and manage the problem more effectively.

Government Actions

Addressing Tashkent’s air pollution requires not only regulations but also long-term planning and infrastructure improvements. Authorities are investing in modernizing the city’s public transportation system, introducing cleaner buses, expanding metro lines, and encouraging citizens to reduce private car use. Improving traffic management and creating dedicated bike lanes can also help decrease vehicle emissions. Urban planning policies are increasingly focused on developing green belts, parks, and tree-lined streets to naturally absorb dust and filter pollutants. The government is also working on improving heating systems to reduce reliance on coal and low-quality fuel oils during the winter months, which are a major source of smoke and particulate matter. 

Environmental monitoring and early-warning systems are crucial tools in managing pollution. Authorities are expanding the city’s air-quality monitoring network, installing more sensors to track PM₂.₅ and other harmful pollutants in real time. This allows health agencies to issue timely alerts and guides citizens on when to stay indoors or take protective measures. Public health campaigns are also being intensified, educating people about the dangers of air pollution and the importance of preventive actions, such as wearing masks, using air purifiers, and avoiding outdoor activities during hazardous conditions. Collaboration across sectors and regions is essential. Environmental agencies, health departments, urban planners, and civil society organizations must coordinate to implement effective solutions. Research on cleaner energy, emission reduction technologies, and dust control measures is being supported by both local universities and international partners. Cross-border cooperation is also important, as dust storms and air pollutants can travel from neighboring regions, making Tashkent’s air-quality management part of a larger regional effort. By combining regulation, infrastructure improvements, monitoring, public awareness, and scientific research, the government can gradually reduce pollution levels and protect public health.

Seasonal and Social Patterns

Air pollution in Tashkent is not constant throughout the year. It tends to peak during winter due to increased heating and stagnant air, while summer dust storms can cause short-term spikes. However, the problem has worsened in 2025, with high pollution occurring even outside traditional peak seasons. Vulnerable groups, including children who spend time outdoors, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, face the greatest risks. Low-income communities, often living near industrial zones or areas with poor infrastructure, are more exposed to both dust and toxic emissions. Understanding these seasonal and social patterns helps communities and policymakers target interventions effectively. 

Final Message

Air pollution in Tashkent is more than an environmental concern — it is a pressing public-health, social, and economic challenge in 2025. The dangerously high levels of fine particulate matter recorded this year show how urgent action is for both the city and its residents. Breathing polluted air affects everyone, but children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are most at risk, experiencing respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and other long-term health complications. Families face disruptions to daily life, with children staying home from school, adults missing work, and homes becoming dust-laden and difficult to maintain. The consequences are both immediate and long-lasting, making pollution a problem that touches every aspect of life. 

Protecting air quality requires a combination of personal responsibility, community cooperation, and government action. Individuals can take practical steps to reduce exposure, such as wearing masks, using air purifiers, and limiting outdoor activity during hazardous pollution days.

Communities can organize clean-ups, plant trees, and educate residents on how to reduce pollution and protect themselves. Governments play a crucial role by enforcing stricter emissions standards, improving public transportation, creating green spaces, modernizing heating systems, and expanding air-quality monitoring and warning systems. Collaboration between citizens, local authorities, and international partners ensures that solutions are both effective and sustainable.

The situation in Tashkent is a reminder that air pollution is not just a local issue — it affects health, society, and the economy on a large scale. Every action, from individual choices to government policies, contributes to a cleaner and safer environment. By addressing pollution now, Tashkent can protect its residents, improve quality of life, and create a healthier, more sustainable future. Air pollution is a challenge we cannot ignore, but with awareness, cooperation, and timely action, it is a problem that can be managed and gradually reduced. The city’s future depends on the steps taken today to safeguard both the environment and the health of its people.

References

Tashkent reports hazardous PM2.5 levels as pollution exceeds limits —, 22 Nov 2025. https://kun.uz/en/news/2025/11/22/tashkent-reports-hazardous-pm25-levels-as-pollution-exceedslimits

Air pollution in Tashkent worsens; health authorities urge precautions —, 20 Nov 2025. https://kun.uz/en/news/2025/11/20/air-pollution-in-tashkent-worsens-health-authorities-urgeprecautions

Air pollution in Tashkent has once again become a global leader —, 6 Oct 2025. https://zamin.uz/en/uzbekistan/162711-air-pollution-in-tashkent-has-once-again-become-a-globalleader.html

September 22, 2025: Tashkent among top 10 most polluted cities in the world —, https://www.iqair.com/in-en/newsroom/september-22-2025-tashkent-among-top-10-most-pollutedcities-in-the-world

Tashkent among world’s 20 most polluted cities in 2024 Air Quality Report —, 17 Mar 2025. https://kun.uz/en/news/2025/03/17/tashkent-among-worlds-20-most-polluted-cities-in-2024-airquality-report