Air Pollution in Hatay Far Exceeds Limit Values

Air Pollution in Hatay Well Above Limit Values According to measurements conducted by the Clean Air Rights Platform and the Turkish Medical Association's Hatay Medical Chamber office in central Antakya, Hatay, air pollution levels are well above limit values. In Hatay, where no measurements are conducted at official air quality monitoring stations, measurements carried out independently by the Turkish Medical Association and the Clean Air Rights Platform reveal the true picture. According to statements by the Turkish Medical Association and the Clean Air Rights Platform, the official air quality monitoring station operated by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change in central Antakya, which has been inoperative since 6 February, the first day of the earthquake, has conducted no air quality measurements for six months. Organizations noting that air pollution in the region poses a vital threat to public health conducted fine particulate matter (PM2.5) measurements using portable air quality measurement devices equipped with AirBeam1 sensors between 7 June and 23 August 2023. PM2.5 measurements were conducted at the Hatay Medical Chamber Antakya office (container) to draw public attention to intense dust pollution in the earthquake zone and to call on authorities to take measures. According to these measurements: - In measurements conducted on 10-11 June spanning 22 hours and 13 minutes of continuous measurement, average PM2.5 was determined at 48 µg/m³. This value is more than three times the WHO 24-hour guideline value. The highest PM2.5 value measured on the same day was 185 µg/m³. - In measurements conducted on 16-17 June spanning 23 hours and 16 minutes of continuous measurement, average PM2.5 was 16 µg/m³ and exceeds the guideline value. - In measurements conducted on 10-11 July spanning 21 hours and 10 minutes of continuous measurement, average PM2.5 was determined at 17 µg/m³. This value exceeds the WHO 24-hour guideline value. The highest PM2.5 value measured on the same day was recorded at 121 µg/m³. In the statement released, it was noted that even when considering only measurements conducted over periods closest to the 24-hour measurement timeframe, PM2.5 pollution, which the WHO states should not be exceeded more than 3-4 days per year, was exceeded on all three days mentioned above. The evaluation underscored that only measurements closest to the 24-hour standard were being discussed. However, it was emphasized that WHO limits were continuously exceeded throughout all 16 days on which measurements could be conducted in June, and throughout the 7 days on which measurements could be conducted in July. The statement also noted that due to frequent electrical and internet outages experienced in central Antakya during the three-month measurement period, regular measurements could not be conducted, but even with the limited data obtained, a preliminary assessment could be made regarding air quality in the city. Prof. Dr. Gamze Varol, Head of the Public Health Section of the Turkish Medical Association and THHP representative, stated that if measurements were conducted continuously, there would be a much greater risk of limit value exceedances being repeated: "Particulate matter pollution resulting from intensive demolition work in the region is causing numerous health problems, particularly acute and chronic respiratory diseases. It is a scientific fact that workers engaged in demolition work in the region, and the population continuously exposed to demolition dust, are at risk of cancer." Prof. Dr. Varol continued: "Despite the fact that measures to prevent particulate matter pollution have been shared multiple times with the public and authorities by the Turkish Medical Association and related professional organizations, rapid, unplanned and uncontrolled demolition work continues, and the regional population is being subjected to systematic violation of health rights."

The Clean Air Rights Platform and the Turkish Medical Association listed the measures that should be taken in the earthquake zone as follows:

- All air quality monitoring stations in the earthquake-affected region should be put into operation as soon as possible. - PM2.5 parameter measurements should begin immediately at all stations in the region. - Air quality status and reports containing data obtained from the stations should be published completely and continuously on www.havaizleme.gov.tr and provincial administration websites. - A modeling study including meteorological developments should determine the distribution of dust from rubble over populated areas, and rubble storage areas and populated areas should be positioned utilizing the results of this modeling. - Demolition should be carried out according to a plan with people kept away from demolition areas except for workers. - Watering should be conducted during demolition, rubble transfer and during the emptying of rubble storage areas, and truck beds should be covered while in transit to prevent dust dispersion. - Workers must be equipped with protective equipment and the use of this equipment must be made mandatory.