Despite use of briquettes, toxic air overwhelms Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar/Mongolia –  For the last three years, smoke and air pollution have been one of the most pressing issues in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar.

The use of improved briquettes has reduced emissions slightly compared to the years when raw coal was commonly used; however, white smoke emissions are more toxic than before.

Head of the Ulaanbaatar Air Pollution Control Agency B.Purevsuren stated that the number of air pollution sources in Ulaanbaatar, such as cars and households, has been steadily increasing since the use of briquettes began in 2019.

In November last year, vehicles number increased by 16 percent compared to the same month in 2019, considering that 70 percent of which have diesel and gasoline engines.

People said that briquettes combustion results in toxic smoke causing the chimney to be blackened with soot.

The white smoke emitted from burning briquettes could cause sore throat, according to families.

Meanwhile, Purevsuren referred to citizens’ improper ways of burning briquettes, saying that non-standard incinerations are common and contribute to increased air pollution.