Air pollution in Istanbul declined by 8% in May compared to the same period last year, according to a study conducted by researchers at Istanbul Technical University (ITU).
The research, led by Hüseyin Toros, head of the Climate Science and Meteorological Engineering Department at ITU's Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, analyzed particulate matter (PM10) measurements recorded across the city during May 2025 and May 2026.
The study examined data collected from 26 air quality monitoring stations operated by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
The study found that the average concentration of PM10, a type of airborne particulate pollution, fell from 34 micrograms per cubic meter in May 2025 to 31.2 micrograms per cubic meter in May 2026.
Among the monitoring stations, the highest particulate matter concentrations in May were recorded at Sultangazi 3, Sultangazi 2 and Tuzla, while the lowest levels were measured at Sultangazi 1, Büyükada and Alibeyköy.
