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NEPA Finds '4,500' Kinds of Air Pollutants in Kabul

The National Environmental Protection Agency has recognized "at least 4,500 sources" of air pollutants in Kabul and has "removed 500 of them" over the last five months by fixing heating and fuel-consuming systems of buildings and businesses in the city, officials of the authority said on Tuesday.

Nearly Afs2 million ($25,000) in fines have been imposed on buildings and business owners who violated rules, officials said. 

The heavy traffic in Kabul accounts for 30 percent of the air pollution in the city, according to the National Environmental Protection Agency. 

Findings of the Kabul environment office indicates that of 574 buildings monitored, 489 of them have no central heating system while 82 of them were using coal. 

From 850 factories in Kabul, 32 are using coal and 17 have installed filters, the figures show. Also, 444,000 residential houses in Kabul are using coal and sometimes rubber and plastic for heat. 

“We should monitor Kabul gates and fuel tanks… so that we can control the entrance of low-quality fuel into Kabul, but we were not allowed (access),” said Kaim Humayun, head of the Kabul environment office. 

Figures by the Kabul environment directorate indicate that rainfall has reduced this year along with a reduction in wind flow.  

“11% of air pollutants come from vehicles that produce smoke,” said Sayed Anwar Murad, head of the Kabul traffic department.  

Air Visual website often rates Kabul among the most unhealthy cities in terms of air pollution and advises residents to wear masks when going outdoors.   

“The activities by environmental agencies and other relevant institutions have been copied from other countries and are not effective for Kabul,” said Yasin Setiz, an environmental expert.  

Sources said that the pollutants of Kabul air have been recognized and include high-rise buildings, townships, factories, restaurants, wedding halls and pools, among other types of facilities.

NEPA Finds '4,500' Kinds of Air Pollutants in Kabul

Nearly Afs2 million ($25,000) in fines have been imposed on buildings and business owners who violated rules, officials said.

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The National Environmental Protection Agency has recognized "at least 4,500 sources" of air pollutants in Kabul and has "removed 500 of them" over the last five months by fixing heating and fuel-consuming systems of buildings and businesses in the city, officials of the authority said on Tuesday.

Nearly Afs2 million ($25,000) in fines have been imposed on buildings and business owners who violated rules, officials said. 

The heavy traffic in Kabul accounts for 30 percent of the air pollution in the city, according to the National Environmental Protection Agency. 

Findings of the Kabul environment office indicates that of 574 buildings monitored, 489 of them have no central heating system while 82 of them were using coal. 

From 850 factories in Kabul, 32 are using coal and 17 have installed filters, the figures show. Also, 444,000 residential houses in Kabul are using coal and sometimes rubber and plastic for heat. 

“We should monitor Kabul gates and fuel tanks… so that we can control the entrance of low-quality fuel into Kabul, but we were not allowed (access),” said Kaim Humayun, head of the Kabul environment office. 

Figures by the Kabul environment directorate indicate that rainfall has reduced this year along with a reduction in wind flow.  

“11% of air pollutants come from vehicles that produce smoke,” said Sayed Anwar Murad, head of the Kabul traffic department.  

Air Visual website often rates Kabul among the most unhealthy cities in terms of air pollution and advises residents to wear masks when going outdoors.   

“The activities by environmental agencies and other relevant institutions have been copied from other countries and are not effective for Kabul,” said Yasin Setiz, an environmental expert.  

Sources said that the pollutants of Kabul air have been recognized and include high-rise buildings, townships, factories, restaurants, wedding halls and pools, among other types of facilities.

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