We spoke with Ch.Myagmardorj, a leading scientific researcher specializing in air quality at the Environmental Health and Impact Assessment Department of the National Center for Public Health. Our discussion focused on the profound effects of air pollution on human health.

Numerous projects and programs have been implemented in our country to reduce air pollution. However, they haven’t been very successful, which means we still breathe toxic air throughout the winter and suffer health consequences. How does air pollution impact our health?

Mongolia leads the world in air pollution levels. We also need to mention particulate matter in this context. During winter, we are exposed to toxic chemicals emitted from smoke. In summer, chemical pollutants mix with particulate matter and become airborne. Prolonged exposure to these matters can be a fundamental cause of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. People with heart conditions, in particular, may experience symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and irregular heart rhythms if they live in an environment with high dust particle concentrations.

Which organs are most affected by air pollution?

Air pollution is a significant underlying cause of various health issues. For instance, it contributes to the development of lung and brain cancers. We assess the impact of both outdoor and indoor air pollution on human health by analyzing mortality rates from five specific conditions: acute respiratory infections in children aged zero to five, hypertension, myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer in adults aged 25 and above. Rather than simply observing visible smoke, we measure air quality through the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 19 monitoring stations across Ulaanbaatar. We then study the correlation between AQI levels and mortality rates from these conditions to understand the health impacts more accurately.

It’s often said that pollutants primarily affect internal organs, but less attention is given to their external impact. I’ve heard that air pollution can also have adverse effects on hair, nails, and skin. Can you elaborate on this?

Indeed, the skin is one of the first organs to come into contact with pollutants. The skin functions as a barrier, protecting the body and aiding in its detoxification. However, pollutants can penetrate the skin, compromising its protective functions. For example, the appearance of acne on the face is directly linked to air pollution. Pollutants settle on the skin and can lead to various issues such as rashes and allergic reactions. The specific reactions depend on the type of chemicals involved. Studies from China have shown that eczema and skin redness can be attributed to air pollution. Furthermore, German researchers have found that residents in polluted areas have more skin issues, such as increased pore size and wrinkles, compared to those living in cleaner environments.

You mentioned that air pollution is a fundamental cause of several diseases. How long does it typically take for these effects to become noticeable?

Pollutants vary in their characteristics. In Mongolia, we measure around six to seven types of pollutants. Air pollution includes nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs, in particular, have a rapid and harmful effect on the body. The immediate response to these pollutants may not be evident, so people often underestimate their impact. However, over time, chronic conditions may develop, and the effects become more apparent. It’s important to note that exposure to polluted air doesn’t immediately result in cancer or other diseases but sets the stage for these conditions to develop over the long term.

Are there noticeable differences in health outcomes between residents of urban areas and those living in rural areas?

There are indeed differences. For instance, a comparison between pregnant women living in clean air environments with air purifiers and those in polluted areas without masks showed significant differences in fetal growth. Babies born to mothers in polluted areas weighed about 150 grams less than those born to mothers in cleaner environments. This indicates that air pollution does have a measurable impact on fetal development. 

However, it’s not a direct cause-and-effect relationship, as individual lifestyle choices also play a role. In Govi-Altai Province, research on children aged zero to five showed that those living in highly polluted areas were more frequently hospitalized for pneumonia, especially during the peak pollution month of December. In contrast, hospitalizations were rare during the cleaner months. Even after treatment, children returning to polluted environments often face recurring infections due to evolving and resilient viruses.

Many people send their children to rural areas during the summer to escape air pollution. Is spending a few days in the countryside an effective measure?

Yes, sending young children, pregnant women, and the elderly to areas with less air pollution is indeed beneficial. In Ulaanbaatar, air pollution levels remain high year-round, with winter seeing particularly severe chemical pollution. These chemicals mix with precipitation and settle on the ground. In the spring, when snow and ice melt, they combine with dust particles and heavy metals, which can then be inhaled. Additionally, buildings with glass facades can exacerbate ozone emissions, which, while naturally occurring, can exceed safe levels. Wind generally helps disperse pollutants, but during periods of precipitation, air circulation is reduced, causing pollutant levels on the ground to double.

Experts often recommend wearing a hat during precipitation to avoid harmful chemical residues from settling on hair. Is this advice based on scientific reasoning?

Yes, this advice is well-founded. Hair is particularly susceptible to pollution, which can lead to dryness, damage, and even hair loss. Pollutants that penetrate the scalp can impair blood flow to the brain and contribute to memory loss and decreased productivity, increasing stress levels. Lead, a harmful heavy metal, is especially dangerous. While small amounts might not show immediate effects, prolonged exposure can lead to severe health issues. For example, children exposed to lead-based paint in schools or daycare centers may experience impaired cognitive function. In addition, exposure to other chemicals from paints, hair sprays, perfumes, and nail polish can cause headaches, nausea, and poisoning symptoms if inhaled in large quantities.

One notable example is the Great Smog of London in December 1952, which resulted from an unusual cold snap and excessive coal burning. Within five days, a thick, toxic smog enveloped London, causing 4,000 to 5,000 deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning. This disaster led to urgent public health reforms. Similarly, South Korea faced severe air pollution challenges but managed to overcome them by relocating power plants away from urban areas and banning coal use. 

In Mongolia, efforts are underway to reduce pollution by replacing raw coal with ‘improved fuels’ or briquettes. However, briquettes still contain harmful emissions. The “cleaned” coal reduces visible soot, but carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless gas—remains. Recognizing this, the “Tavantolgoi Tulsh” LLC has distributed free carbon monoxide detectors to households. Despite these efforts, carbon monoxide poisoning rates in 2023 matched the highest levels of the past five years.

How does environmental pollution affect aging?

Maintaining a calm mental state and following a healthy diet can slow down the aging process. However, many residents of Ulaanbaatar face sleep issues, largely due to pollution of air, water, and noise. Noise pollution, which is prevalent in urban areas, often goes unnoticed but contributes significantly to mental fatigue, leading to insomnia and decreased productivity.

What measures can be taken to prevent the issues mentioned?

Individuals need to develop better habits, but some aspects require government intervention. It is crucial for the government to implement policies such as relocating factories away from urban areas, increasing vehicle taxes, and reducing the number of vehicles. Both citizens and the government must work together to achieve results. At a minimum, the government should establish centers for collecting secondary raw materials to encourage recycling. Currently, many areas have only three types of waste bins, and the same vehicle collects all types of waste together, leading to contamination. A significant issue is the widespread practice of incinerating all types of waste, which contributes to the accumulation of toxic substances in the air at a microscopic level.

Is it possible to remove pollutants from the skin before they penetrate internal organs? Can washing with water eliminate them?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and air pollution significantly increase skin damage. Pollutants from UV rays and diesel emissions, in particular, contribute to skin blemishes and accelerate aging. Research from Dusseldorf, Germany has highlighted these effects. Therefore, it’s essential to thoroughly cleanse the skin, use sunscreen to protect against environmental pollutants, and also clean your hair and nails. Even if clothes appear clean, they can still harbor dust particles. It is advisable to shake off and seal outerwear in a bag before entering the home to minimize the transfer of pollutants indoors.