On Friday (5 January), air-pollution in some areas in Ulaanbaatar; especially the ger districts reached a hazardous level. According to the Mongolian capital’s air quality unit, the air index reached 2813 in the Tolgoit, Amgalan, Bayankhoshuu and Zuragt districts of the city. Air quality is considered good when the index is at 50 or below, but hazardous with an index between 301 and 500; at such times people are warned to avoid outdoor physical activities.

With ‘severe’ category pollution levels in many areas, doctors are saying that critically ill patients, or those with respiratory problems must stay indoors; for those who have to go outside, wearing anti-pollution masks and avoiding busy roads, may be the only options to reduce the health risks. For the many thousands who live in the ger districts, avoiding the smog is impossible.