KUWAIT CITY, Jan 14: The Head of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society, Dr. Wajdan Al-Aqab, has dismissed social media reports alleging that air pollution in Kuwait has reached dangerous levels, labeling them as completely false. She clarified in an exclusive statement to Al-Seyassah that the Environment Public Authority (EPA) has not issued any warnings or statements in this regard.

Dr. Al-Aqab emphasized the importance of relying on official sources for information, such as the EPA’s website, rather than foreign monitoring sites. She pointed out that some of these foreign entities use air quality monitoring devices that are not calibrated for Kuwait’s environment, resulting in inaccurate data and misleading indicators. According to the EPA’s official air quality monitoring application, e- MISK, current air quality levels in Kuwait are reported as good, with pollutant concentrations well below national standards. Dr. Al-Aqab noted that while air pollution levels may occasionally rise due to the desert environment -- characterized by dust and dirt particles -- these remain within acceptable limits and pose no significant health risks. She further explained that discrepancies arise because certain devices categorize dust particles as pollution, while EPA’s monitoring stations differentiate between natural dust and harmful suspended materials. When dust levels increase, the EPA issues targeted warnings for areas most affected, advising residents, particularly asthma sufferers, to take necessary precautions.

Dr. Al-Aqab urged the public to verify environmental information before sharing it and reminded them of their rights under Environmental Protection Law No. 42 of 2014, amended by Law No. 99 of 2015. The law allows citizens and residents to file electronic complaints regarding environmental concerns via the EPA’s official website. For accurate updates and to file complaints, the public is encouraged to use the EPA’s official platform.

By Enaas Awad
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff