Azerbaijan’s Pollution Crisis: Key Findings from the Health and Pollution Action Plan (HPAP)
Completed in 2022
Timeline: 2019–2022
Partners: government, NGOs, academia, and communities.
Goal:
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Identify and prioritize pollution-related health threats.
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Fill data gaps.
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Propose concrete actions.
The HPAP Process in Azerbaijan
Oil Pollution
Absheron Peninsula: Over 33,000 hectares of land still contaminated with petroleum products.
- Pollution persists for 100+ years despite cleanup attempts.
- Hazardous pollutants detected include VOCs, PAHs, and heavy metals — in some cases hundreds of times above standards.
Air Pollution
Vehicle emissions account for 83% of Azerbaijan’s total air pollution (2023).
- Emissions rose 26.7% in 2020–2023.
- Indoor air pollution crisis: PM2.5 levels in kindergartens reached 7x WHO limit; CO₂ levels in homes and offices were up to 30x higher than guidelines.
Lead Pollution
Paints: Imported oil-based paints had lead levels up to 140 times higher than international safety standards.
- Kitchenware: Lead detected in utensils from China, Iran, Turkey – some 100x above safe levels.
- Toys: Average lead contamination 4–8 times above limits, highest at 1175 mg/kg vs. 100 mg/kg standard
Pesticide Pollution (DDT)
- HPAP in 2019-2024 identified 49 POPs pesticide sites still contaminated, affecting an estimated 550,000 people.
- DDT levels in soil samples ranged from 1,500–19,500 mg/kg, with winds spreading toxic dust to homes and water
Key Gaps & Recommendations
GAPS:
- In health research on the impact of hazardous waste on Azerbaijan people.
ACTIONS:
- Intensive scientific investigation and public awareness campaign.
- National survey to assess public knowledge and attitudes towards pollution.
- Prioritize the remediation of pollutants that pose a threat to health through studies.