Open Coal Transshipment. Air Pollution from Coal Dust.
The coal industry is primarily made environmentally harmful today by the organization of coal storage and transshipment. In Kyrgyzstan, solid fuel is stored everywhere in open areas, and loading is carried out using open terminals.
The coal dust that rises into the air settles not only in the loading and storage areas. It also covers neighboring territories, where residential houses, social, and children's institutions are often located. In windy weather, clouds of dust are carried over very long distances. Residents of adjacent residential areas suffer greatly from coal dust, which penetrates literally everywhere, settling as a black layer on surfaces and clogging airways. The black coating covers the plantings in gardens and vegetable patches.
The residents of Tash-Kumyr have long been trying to draw attention to the problem of coal dust generated during the loading and transportation of coal. They are calling for help from the media and activists from various public organizations. A significant part of the problem of dust could be solved by relocating the dusty cargo transshipment facilities outside the city limits. However, local coal companies claim that this is almost impossible both technically and financially.
The state of air, water, and soil as a result of such exposure negatively affects the health of Tash-Kumyr residents. For humans, the danger of coal dust lies in the fact that when particles enter the respiratory tract, they cause inflammatory processes and can lead to irreversible consequences.
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