Israel has the 12th worst air quality among the 91 countries included in a World Health Organization report, issued Wednesday. The study measured the concentration of fine particulate matter for particles smaller than 10 microns and smaller than 2.5 microns, in 1,600 cities around the world. Based on the 10-micron or less measurements, the country with the highest air pollution is Afghanistan, with a concentration of 334 micrograms per cubic meter. In second-to-last place is Iran at 320, followed by India at 200, Senegal at 179, Mongolia at 174, Bangladesh at 160, Egypt at 140, Mauritius at 131, Jordan at 128, China at 120, Turkey at 115 and Israel at 74. Of Israeli cities, Ashkelon has the worst air pollution at 75, followed by Modiin at 70 and Beersheba at 68. Haifa and Hadera, widely considered to be badly polluted by environmental groups, had only 45 to 46 micrograms of particulate matter per cubic meter. This inconsistency is explained by the specific locations within the cities where air quality was measured. When comparing Israeli cities to large European cities, the figures are more concerning. Berlin and Paris came in at only 24 micrograms per cubic meter, and London at 22. "Air pollution is not a temporary or a localized problem, rather it is a countrywide issue that requires a national solution," said Dr. Arye Vanger, the air pollution and energy scientist at the Israel Union for Environmental Defense. "For example, Israel is continuing to pave roads instead of promoting efficient public transportation." The Environmental Protection Ministry responded to the study, saying that it is undertaking comprehensive measures to reduce emissions from the industry and transportation sectors, and to increase energy efficiency. A ministry representative said that "the serious problem is that there are those who are fighting against our efforts. A public committee is calling to cut funds to environmental initiatives, including power plants that will reduce pollution." According to the representative, this year the government directed funds to a national plan to fight air pollution, and in the upcoming budget talks, the ministry plans to request further funds for the project.
Hold your breath: Israel ranks poorly in WHO air pollution study
Within Israel, Ashkelon has the worst air pollution, followed by Modiin and Beersheba • Israel scores badly compared to European countries • Environmental Protection Ministry working to increase funds to fight the problem.
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