Yerevan's Environmental Issues Will Impact Residents' Health and Quality of Life: Environmentalist

Yerevan is facing a series of serious environmental issues that have deep-rooted causes and negative consequences for residents' health, urban biosphere, and climate stability. This was stated by environmentalist Silva Adamyan on her Facebook page. She outlined the main environmental problems in Yerevan with scientifically grounded explanations.

- Air Pollution

Justification
According to reports from the Ministry of Environment of Armenia and international sources, air pollution levels in Yerevan have exceeded acceptable thresholds for years.

Pollutants:
- Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5)
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Ozone (O₃)

Scientific Implications
The high concentration of these pollutants leads to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. PM2.5 particles penetrate the deep areas of the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart attacks, asthma, and cancer.

Causes:
- Automobile traffic (especially older vehicles)
- Construction dust
- Heating systems running on fuel oil or wood
- Lack of wind and position surrounded by mountain ranges, making air circulation difficult
- Lack of green spaces

Justification
According to UN data, there should be at least 9 m² of green space per person in urban areas. In Yerevan, this average is 4-6 m² in some administrative districts, and even less in others.

Consequences:
- High temperatures (urban heat island)
- Issues with air purification
- Increase in dust and pollutants
- Mental stress in residents, depression
- Water pollution and inefficient usage

Problems:
- Rapidly expanding construction and unregulated sewage discharge, posing risks of pollution to valleys and rivers (Hrazdan River).
- Unregulated water extraction leading to declining groundwater levels.

Scientific Consequences:
- Disruption of aquatic ecosystems
- Decrease in biodiversity
- Spread of waterborne diseases
- Construction boom and soil degradation

Issues:
- Sudden increase in construction without environmental assessment
- Soil impermeability caused by asphalt and concrete coverings
- High levels of dust

Scientific Impact:
- Impermeable surfaces hinder water infiltration, promoting flooding and water erosion.
- Disruption of plant root systems decreases CO₂ absorption.

Noise Pollution:
In central Yerevan, noise levels exceed standard limits:
- 65 dB during the day, whereas the WHO limit is 55 dB.

Consequences:
- Sleep disorders
- High blood pressure
- Chronic stress
- Attention disorders in children

Conclusion:
"Yerevan's environmental issues are interconnected and require systematic solutions based on data analysis and urban strategy. Without immediate intervention, the health and quality of life of the population could deteriorate significantly," Silva Adamyan wrote.