👉 Afghanistan's air quality has been severely impacted by a variety of factors, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and, most notably, the burning of fuel in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover in August 2021. This has led to a significant increase in toxic fumes, particularly from coal and wood burning, which contaminate the air and pose serious health risks to residents. The lack of effective environmental regulations and enforcement exacerbates the problem, leading to smog-like conditions that can last for days. These fumes contain harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, contributing to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and other health complications among the population. The situation highlights the urgent need for improved governance and environmental policies to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution in Afghanistan.