The problem of air pollution in Armenia dates back to the Soviet era, when industries such as mechanical engineering, metalworking, non-ferrous metallurgy, chemical, food and light industry branches were rapidly developing in the country. Numerous enterprises were established and operated in the country’s major cities and communities.
In 1988, the earthquake and the collapse of the Soviet Union led to the closure of around 200 major industrial enterprises in the country, causing significant damage to the economy. Then, in the post-Soviet years, some enterprises gradually began to recover, but not to the same extent as before.
Currently, the ambient air of the Republic of Armenia is mainly polluted with dust, the main sources of which are climatic conditions, as well as the mining i and the quarrying, manufacturing, and construction. The average annual dust concentration exceeds the maximum permissible concentration (MPC), especially in Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Hrazdan, and Ararat. The high dust levels in Hrazdan and Ararat are primarily due to the on-site cement production. High levels of sulfur dioxide were previously observed in Alaverdi and Vanadzor, where mining and chemical industries operated. In recent years, the main sulfur dioxide emissions have come from the manufacturing industry. Nitrogen dioxide pollution is primarily found in Yerevan, due to transport, manufacturing, as well as mining industry and open-pit mining.
The indicator was assessed for Vanadzor.
Three monitoring stations in Vanadzor monitor dust, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide levels. In 2023, the average annual concentrations of these indicators in the ambient air of Vanadzor did not exceed the corresponding MPCs. During the year, the average daily dust concentration exceeded the corresponding MPC by 1.1-3.5 times (82 days). From 2013 to 2023, a decreasing trend in the average annual concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2) was observed in the ambient air of Vanadzor. During this period, the highest concentration of sulfur dioxide was observed in 2013, while the lowest concentration was observed in 2023, decreasing by about 12 times compared to 2013. From 2013 to 2023, the highest concentration of dust in the ambient air of Vanadzor was observed in 2013, while the lowest concentration was observed in 2015. Following this, there was a gradual increase in dust concentration until 2018, after which a gradual decrease was observed from 2021. Ambient air pollution has a significant impact on both the environment and human health. Pollution sources can be both natural and anthropogenic. Natural sources of pollution are linked to natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions, sandstorms and dust storms, etc. Anthropogenic sources of pollution primarily result from the use of chemicals, the combustion of fuels used for industry, transportation, household needs, and the accumulation of waste. Due to global economic growth, energy consumption is also increasing. The use of fossil fuels for energy production leads to air pollution. Replacing non-renewable energy sources (such as fossil fuels) with renewable alternatives (like solar and wind energy) can help reduce pollution. Indicator definition The indicator reflects the number of days per year, or the percentage of total days per year, during which air pollution levels—specifically for harmful pollutants such as dust, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)—exceed the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) limits. Unit of measurement Exceedances of MPCs for harmful substances are measured by the number of days per year or as a percentage of the total number of days per year. Concentrations of harmful substances are measured in micrograms (µg) per cubic meter (m³) of air. Rationale Rationale for indicator selection The indicator reflects the state of the environment in terms of ambient air quality and the negative impact of pollutant concentrations on human health, the environment, vegetation, and the overall ecosystem. Links UNECE – Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Description of A-2: Ambient air quality in urban areas UNECE - Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Glossary of terms – A-2: Ambient air quality in urban areas Context description National policy context In accordance with the Resolution of the Government of the RA N160-Ն of February 2, 2006, titled “On Approval of the Standards for Maximum Permissible Concentrations (MPCs) of Air Pollutants in Residential Areas” (adopted on February 2, 2006), the maximum permissible concentrations for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and dust have been established. International policy context The World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines include 32 substances that pollute ambient air. For monitoring purposes, the ISO 13040 standard on air quality or the 2012 UNECE Guidelines for Developing National Strategies for the Use of Air and Water Quality Monitoring as Environmental Policy Tools may be applied. Targets National targets National targets have not yet been defined. They are planned to be defined in as part of the EU Air Quality Directive approximation measures. International targets The EU Air Quality Directive requires the classification of agglomerations, the assessment of pollutant concentrations within them, and the development and implementation of air quality improvement plans. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.6, by 2030, it is essential to reduce the negative environmental impact of cities per capita, with particular focus on air quality and the management of domestic and other forms of waste. Uncertainties Methodological uncertainties Methodological uncertainties may arise due to data gaps. Data uncertainties No data uncertainties have been identified. Clarification of uncertainties Uncertainties arising from data gaps may be due to equipment malfunctions. Data sources UNECE – Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Description of A-2: Ambient air quality in urban areas. UNECE - Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Glossary of terms – A-2: Ambient air quality in urban areas Topic: Ambient air Frequency of updates: Every year Contact persons: Naira Mandalyan, Gohar Harutyunyan, Ruzanna Safaryan Responsible: "Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center" SNCO Additional information:
In 26% of the observations conducted, dust and sulfur dioxide concentrations exceeded the relevant MPCs, while in 12% of the observations, sulfur dioxide concentrations alone exceeded the relevant MPCs. Compared to the previous year, sulfur dioxide concentrations increased by 18%, nitrogen dioxide concentrations increased by 9%, and dust concentrations decreased by 18%.
From 2013 to 2023, a decreasing trend in the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was observed in the ambient air of Vanadzor. During this period, the highest concentration of nitrogen dioxide was observed in 2013, while the lowest was observed in 2021. The average annual concentration of nitrogen dioxide in 2023 was 6 μg/m³.
Human activities release pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the ambient. High concentrations of these can react with water, oxygen, and other chemical elements, leading to the formation of acid rain.
Ambient air pollution depletes the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. It also has negative effects on human health. The most harmful substances to humans are nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulfur oxides (SOX), ground-level ozone (O3), and dust (including PM2.5 and PM10—particles with diameters of 2.5 and 10 micrometers). The most dangerous are PM2.5 particles, which are invisible to the naked eye and can penetrate the human body and affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
In the modern world, many developed countries are making significant contributions to the production of "clean energy." At the same time, significant emphasis is placed on waste reduction and reuse. To reduce transport emissions, the number of pedestrians and cyclists is being increased, bans and restrictions are being imposed on the operation of environmentally harmful vehicles. Preference is being given to electric vehicles and other types of vehicles that run on biodiesel and hydrogen fuel. Energy-efficient buildings are being constructed, and the creation of green spaces in cities is being expanded.
In recent years, Armenia has moved towards energy conservation, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energy. Several reforms are being implemented in this direction, including the production of solar panels, the import and operation of environmentally friendly vehicles (electric cars, electric scooters), as well as the development of projects for the use of wind energy in the future. At the same time, in 2015, the "Organic Agriculture Development" programme was launched in Armenia, which will ensure the optimal use of natural resources, preserving the environment and biodiversity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Indicator code: A2
Tags: Dust, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, Armenia
Time period: 2013-2023
DPSIR: Pressure
Type: Descriptive indicator (Class A – what happens to the environment and people)
Dates: Publication date / last modified: 30/07/2024