Air Pollution and Health in Ulaanbaatar

The people of Ulaanbaatar currently experience mean exposures to PM2.5 air pollution that exceeds international health-based guidelines and standards. If no major initiatives are taken, these exposures will continue to increase over the next ten years. Other researchers simulated three scenarios to calculate the impact of air pollution: 1) at baseline; 2) modest emission control methods such as advanced stoves, heat only boiler, and the use of renewable energy; and 3) aggressive measure, including changing ger district heating to gaseous fuels/district heating, decommissioning old power plants and dependency on renewable energy.

The results suggested that if a modest emission control method was implemented, a total of 2000 prematures deaths would be avoided. Especially there would be fewer disability-adjusted-life-years (DALY) for children under 5 years of age and the benefit would accrue to adults as well. However, under modest approach, the PM2.5 air pollution levels would still exceed international standards. If aggressive measures were to be taken, air pollution exposure would be reduced by 60% from the baseline. In addition, aggressive methods would significantly reduce DALYs.