👉 The "Moscow fumes" refer to a persistent air pollution issue primarily affecting residents and visitors in Moscow, Russia. This phenomenon is largely attributed to the city's heavy reliance on coal for energy, particularly in heating homes and powering industries. Despite recent efforts to reduce coal use and increase the share of cleaner energy sources like natural gas and renewables, the legacy of coal combustion continues to release significant amounts of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute to poor air quality, leading to health concerns such as respiratory diseases and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, the geographical location of Moscow, surrounded by mountains that trap pollutants, exacerbates the problem, making it a persistent environmental challenge.
