Uzbekistan’s air pollution and its health effects: A data-driven overview of disease burden and intervention priorities

Burkhoniddin  Tillashaykhov; Muhammad Saiful  Islam Khan

doi:10.18502/japh.v11i1.21269

Burkhoniddin Tillashaykhov Department of Biomedicine and Life Science, School of Medicine, Central Asian University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Muhammad Saiful Islam Khan Department of Biomedicine and Life Science, School of Medicine, Central Asian University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/japh.v11i1.21269

Keywords: Atmospheric aerosol; Air pollution; Public health; Uzbekistan; Particulate matter

Abstract

Introduction: Atmospheric aerosol particles significantly impact ecosystems,global climate, cultural heritage, and public health. Air pollution is a majorglobal health concern, contributing to roughly one quarter of total globalmortality, with fine Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅) being particularly harmful.Long-term exposure to elevated PM₂.₅ and gaseous pollutants such as sulfurdioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide increases the riskof severe health effects, including chronic respiratory and cardiovasculardiseases.

Materials and methods: Air quality trends in Uzbekistan, primarily inTashkent, were analyzed using Air Quality Index (AQI) data, focusing onwintertime PM₂.₅ levels. Health outcomes were assessed through statisticalanalysis of Ministry of Health records from 2012 to 2024, with particularattention to respiratory tract infection–related mortality. Comparative analysiswas performed between urban and rural populations, and vulnerable groups,including children and senior citizens, were identified.

Results: Analysis revealed that wintertime PM₂.₅ concentrations in Tashkentwere approximately six times higher than World Health Organizationrecommended limits. Statistical evaluation indicated a significant 24.94%increase in respiratory tract infection–related deaths in Tashkent during thestudy period (p<0.05), whereas rural areas showed no significant growth.Urban air pollution, primarily from residential heating and anthropogenicactivities, was identified as a major contributor. Children and elderlypopulations were most affected.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the substantial health impacts ofurban air pollution in Uzbekistan, particularly in low- and middle-incomeurban settings. The study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted air qualitymanagement strategies to mitigate pollution-related health risks, protectvulnerable populations, and improve public health outcomes