Air pollution in Tashkent: Is relocation the only option for residents?

Air purifiers are gaining popularity

Even without official statistics, it’s evident that in the past two years, Tashkent residents have increasingly relied on air purifiers at home, workplaces, and even stores. Various surveys conducted on social media platforms show that in 2024-2025, more people are turning to air filters for cleaner air.

For example, users of X (formerly Twitter) were asked how long they have been using air purifiers and humidifiers at home or work. Their responses included:

"I use the Mi4 Lite air purifier. When I first turned it on, the PM2.5 level inside the room was 260. Even after cleaning and humidifying the house every day, it dropped to 4-5 in 15 minutes. If I open a window or door, it starts rising again. After that, my sleep improved and my nose congestion disappeared."

"I've been using a humidifier for four years, breathing feels much easier, and my sleep has improved. Now, I’m thinking of buying an air purifier."

"I’ve been using the Polaris PUX-1010 for two years, and it works well. It’s very easy to use, and I plan to buy an air purifier from the same brand."

"I used one in Uzbekistan, but it was very expensive, and I had to bring it from the U.S. Unfortunately, it broke down after three days. Now I use the Xiaomi Air Cleaner Smart at home. Its quality is noticeable — when it's on throughout the day, my allergies and sneezing reduce, and my sleep improves."

"I bought it in October. At first, I thought it wouldn’t help. But after using it, my children’s cough subsided. After a week without it, they started coughing again. Maybe it’s a coincidence."

"We use the Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 Lite, and it’s worth every penny. The difference in air quality is noticeable when you open the window. I can say for sure that my sleep quality has improved."

"I’ve bought the Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 Compact for my room. As soon as I open the window, it starts working faster, indicating that the harmful particles in the air are increasing."

Users on Facebook also shared that they have been using air purifiers for over a year and feel the benefits. On Instagram, one user posted a video showing the dust collected by their air purifier.

"I change the filter every three months. The dust buildup is shocking. Even in such conditions, I make sure to humidify and clean the house every other day. Even a simple air purifier can make a difference," one user shared.

Aquariums, water, and plants

In addition to air purifiers, social media users have mentioned using aquariums, water, and plants to help keep the air cleaner.

"At home, we always have an open-top aquarium, which helps humidify the air. We keep windows closed, so it's quite effective. If I lived in a dry house, my throat would get sore," said one user.

"To clean the air at home, we open the windows. For humidification, we place a bowl of water on top of the heater or near the radiator," said another.

Another user shared that they grow plants to purify the air in their home.

What is the air quality situation in Tashkent?

The air quality in Tashkent has worsened since 2023. Climate expert Erkin Abdulahatov presented a detailed analysis showing that the construction of buildings has blocked wind corridors, dust masses from Kazakhstan have entered the city, and the continued use of coal for heating all contributed to the 65 days of unhealthy and hazardous air experienced by Tashkent residents in 2023.

Of the pollution, 36% came from natural sources, such as dust from Kazakhstan and other regions, 6% from construction and industrial emissions, and 16% from the automotive sector. Additionally, a significant portion of the pollution — 28% — came from heating systems in winter, including heating plants and stations, while 13% originated from dust emissions from heavy and light industries.

Increased interest in mountain trips

In response to the worsening air quality, many people have started visiting the mountainous areas of Tashkent province more frequently. If you’ve been traveling to the mountainous regions of Tashkent province for at least 10 years, you would have noticed the increase in visits. While this trend is largely attributed to the development of domestic tourism, Mavjuda Khotamova, a resident of Tashkent who enjoys mountain trips, offers another reason for this growing trend. She shares with Kun.uz that she and her family have been making regular trips to the mountains over the past two years, mostly to find cleaner air.

"We try to go every week. If it’s been too long, we go at least every two weeks. We spend 2-4 hours there before heading back. Initially, we went just to escape the noise of the city, but in the last two years, it’s mostly been for the fresh air," she says.

She observes that many people are also traveling to the mountains simply to breathe easier. “When we were in Aktash recently, I met some parents who had brought their children there because they hadn’t responded to antibiotics, and their coughs persisted. After spending time in the fresh mountain air, their children’s coughs improved."

Kun.uz previously reported on how worsening air quality in the capital affects young children. In interviews with mothers of children under 4 years old, many noted that they saw an increase in respiratory diseases in their children as air quality deteriorated. Studies have also shown a connection between air pollution and the spread of infections.

Mavjuda Khotamova adds that the mountain air has had a significant positive impact on her, and she plans to continue these trips regularly. “I struggle with insomnia, and no matter how much I sleep, I still feel tired in the morning. But if I spend two hours in the mountains, I sleep so much better that night. You can feel the clean air as soon as you step out of the city,” she says.

Considering moving to the outskirts

Farrukh Abdusattorov, who also enjoys mountain trips, shares that the fresh mountain air has become a necessary part of his routine. He and his family mostly go to the mountains to enjoy the oxygen-rich air. “Mountain air is fresh and light. When you breathe deeply, your mind feels clearer. If you spend the night there, you wake up without feeling tired or experiencing headaches. But in the city, it’s the opposite — you wake up feeling heavy and tired, no matter how much sleep you get.”

Abdusattorov says that the worsening air quality in the city has made him consider moving to the outskirts of the city. "Because although the bad air doesn’t affect us that much, it’s much more harmful to children and their developing bodies. Clean air has a positive impact on mood and work productivity," he says.

Lack of awareness among the public

It is worth noting that the IQAir platform provides recommendations on what to do when air pollution levels rise, including wearing masks when going outside. However, masks are rarely seen on the streets of Tashkent during times of pollution, as people aren’t fully aware of how harmful the polluted air is. This lack of awareness could have been addressed by the relevant organizations, including the Ministry of Ecology, the Ministry of Health, and the Sanitary-Epidemiological Service, but no one has taken responsibility for it. Reflecting on the mandatory mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s clear that the consequences of breathing in polluted air are just as harmful, and it will take years to address the long-term effects of this pollution.

What steps have you taken to ensure cleaner air, and how has air pollution impacted your lifestyle? If you have any thoughts, feel free to share them with us on Telegram at @kunuzmurojaat. The editorial team values your input.