Kyiv residents urged to stay indoors as air pollution spikes to dangerous levels

"The content of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) within Kyiv ranges from 58 to 158 ppm (in the central part of the city), which poses a moderate to high health threat for residents," ecologist Serhii Karlashchuk explained.

"Elevated carbon monoxide levels have been recorded locally. Critical air quality indicators were also registered in Vyshhorod and Brovary [Kyiv neighboring towns - ed.]."

According to the expert, deteriorating air quality in large cities is a common summer phenomenon. This is driven by high temperatures, weak winds, the formation of photochemical smog over densely built-up areas, heavy traffic, and local fires.

An additional factor worsening the air quality is the ongoing forest fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone.

Kyiv Digital app recommends that residents keep their windows closed and avoid spending time outdoors.