'The Silent Killer' Turkiye exposed to threat of air pollution

[Anchor]
Air pollution, which can be called a silent killer, has a serious adverse effect on the human body over a long period of time.

Turkiye is also unable to avoid this air pollution, and citizens are complaining of damage.From last year's massive earthquake, which caused a large amount of asbestos, to thermal power plants emitting black smoke throughout the

country.

Reporter Lim Byung-in reports on the Turkiye situation.

[Reporter]
A major earthquake that hit Hatay province in Turkiye in February last year.

It is considered one of the worst disasters of the 21st century, claiming more than 45,000 unfortunate lives at the time.

The aftermath of such a large earthquake continues two years after the outbreak.

The scene where about 500,000 buildings collapsed due to a strong earthquake,
About 516,000 tons of asbestos are detected in the
remnants and are a serious factor in Turkiye air pollution.

[Chidem Chalayan / Professor of Kozaeli School of Medicine] The fact that the effects of asbestos pollution are not immediately visible adds to the seriousness of the problem. It takes 15 to 20 years for asbestos to develop cancer. The health status of those who inhaled asbestos today will not be known until decades later.]

This is not the only air pollution problem in Turkiye.

Due to the industrial structure, the main energy is produced by operating coal-fired power plants, so they are seriously exposed to air pollution.

Automobile exhaust on the road is also seriously threatening the health of citizens.

Citizens who spend their daily lives in murky air say they have great difficulty breathing.

[Gyulai / Turkiye Izmir] When I breathe in, I feel bad and have difficulty breathing. The air pollution is getting worse, so I'm worried that the future of children is getting worse.]

[Hakan / Turkiye Izmir: There is no place without cars everywhere. I think (automobile exhaust) is very harmful. I think it will get better if everything changes to electric cars in the future.

When I accessed the fine dust measurement site provided by the Turkiye government, I saw red signs everywhere indicating the seriousness of the pollution.

Experts stress that air pollution is not just a problem in Turkey, but a common challenge facing the world, and that everyone must work together to address it.

[Chidem Chalayan / Professor Kozaeli School of Medicine] Air pollution is not just a problem in Turkey, it is a global problem. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines air pollution as an urgent public health issue worldwide. // Both citizens and government managers must work together, starting with fundamental issues such as urban planning, transportation, and energy resources.]

Air Pollution of the Silent Killer, which has emerged as the 2nd risk factor for premature death worldwide,

It is a task that the whole world, as well as the Turkiye, must face together.

YTN World Lim Byung-in in Istanbul, Turkiye.