Residents of Baghdad and neighboring provinces are frustrated over the recurring sulphur odour plaguing their communities. In response, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has ordered the formation of a specialized committee to investigate the issue within 48 hours.
The committee, led by an advisor to the Minister of Environment, will determine the cause of the sulphur smell and propose immediate solutions. The Ministry of Environment has linked the odour to incomplete fuel combustion and unregulated waste burning, exacerbated by cool night temperatures in the city.
Residents, especially those with respiratory issues, are advised to limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed to reduce exposure to harmful gases. The crisis underscores Iraq’s broader environmental challenges, including severe air pollution and water scarcity.
Sulphur dioxide, a byproduct of burning sulphur-containing fuels, can cause respiratory problems. While levels have decreased in some countries, Iraq’s lack of regulation allows pollution to persist. This latest environmental crisis highlights the urgent need for Iraq to address its ecological and health risks to mitigate the impact of climate change.