An Overview Study of Air Pollution in Ulaanbaatar City
- VernacularTitle: Улаанбаатар хотын агаарын бохирдлын тойм судалгаа
- Author:
Ulziikhutag B
1
;
Enkhjargal G
1
;
Buyantushig B
1
;
Jargalsaikhan G
1
;
Eelin Kh
2
;
Ulziimaa D
3
;
Damdindorj B
3
;
Khurelbaatar N
4
;
Davaalkham D
5
Author Information
1. Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, MNUMS
2. UNICEF
3. MNUMS
4. Office of the President of Mongolia
5. School of Public Health, MNUMS
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Air pollution;
PM2.5;
Master’s and doctoral dissertations
- From:
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences
2025;85(1):263-266
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Background:According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths
globally in 2021, making it the second leading cause of death, including among children under 5 years old. Air pollution
is also linked to a range of diseases such as stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and asthma. In
Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, the average daily concentration of PM2.5 particles in the air reaches 750 μg/m3
during winter, which is 50 times higher than the WHO’s recommendation, making it one of the most polluted cities in
the world. Air pollution continues to pose a significant public health challenge not only in Mongolia but also in many
countries globally. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research and studies that summarize and review the existing
work in this field.
Aim:To summarize and review thematic works on air pollution conducted by researchers from Mongolian universities.
Materials and Methods: A systematic review and analysis were performed on thematic works by researchers who completed their master’s and doctoral degrees in the field of air pollution between 2011 and 2024.
Results: In terms of the type of master’s and doctoral dissertations, 76.0% (n=19) were master’s theses and 24.0% (n=6)
were doctoral dissertations. Among the total number of works included in the study, 36.0% (n=9) focused on the health
effects of air pollution, while 64.0% (n=16) addressed other related areas. Some studies indicated that PM2.5 levels in
the air between 2011 and 2024 were 1-6 times higher than the Mongolian standard, with the highest levels observed from
November to February and the lowest in July. Additionally, some studies suggested a reduction in PM2.5 levels following
the introduction of improved fuel in Ulaanbaatar. Air pollution was found to increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer, and to contribute to reduced fetal weight.
Conclusion: When examining thematic studies on air pollution conducted by state-owned universities in Mongolia, the
primary focus has been on the composition, concentration, and health impacts of air pollution. Going forward, research
aimed at mitigating air pollution should be driven by collaborative efforts and leadership from universities, with the results being effectively communicated to policymakers.
- Full text:2025052717314952262263-266.pdf
