Iraq forms emergency committee to tackle sulphur pollution in Baghdad amid environmental crisis

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani ordered the formation of a specialized committee on Saturday to investigate the sulphur odour plaguing Baghdad and its neighbouring provinces.

The government has given the committee a 48-hour deadline to submit its findings as the country faces mounting environmental challenges after decades of war and neglect.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, Al-Sudani tasked the committee, led by an advisor to the Minister of Environment, to determine the cause of the recurring sulphur smell and provide immediate solutions to the issue.

"The need for fundamental solutions and a comprehensive examination of the situation is critical," Al-Sudani said, urging the committee to move swiftly.

The Iraqi Ministry of Environment has linked the sulphuric odour in Baghdad to the incomplete combustion of sulphur-rich fuels and unregulated waste burning, exacerbated by the city’s cool night temperatures, which trap pollutants closer to the ground.

Residents, especially those with respiratory issues, are urged to limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed to reduce exposure to harmful gases like sulphur dioxide and methane.

In response to the worsening air pollution, the ministry has identified major sources such as power plants using heavy fuel oil, illegal smelting operations, and waste burning.

The crisis highlights the broader environmental challenges facing Iraq, a country grappling with severe air, water, and soil pollution compounded by water scarcity and desertification. Iraq is considered one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change.

According to the American Lung Association, sulphur dioxide (SO2), a byproduct of burning sulphur-containing fuels, can cause severe respiratory issues, including wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Long-term exposure can reduce lung function, particularly for those with asthma. SO2 levels have decreased in countries like the United States, but Iraq's aging infrastructure and lack of regulation have allowed pollution to persist.

Residents expressed frustration over the sulphur odours. "The smell is very annoying for citizens," one Baghdad resident, told The New Arab.

Iraqi officials, including the spokesperson for Iraq’s health ministry, were not immediately available to comment. 

This is not the first time Iraq has experienced sulphur-related pollution. In 2016, the Islamic State blew up the Mishraq sulphur plant near Mosul, releasing toxic fumes that affected the surrounding areas.

The government’s seemingly swift response to this latest environmental crisis reflects growing concern over the country’s ecological and health risks.

With rising pollution levels, Iraq's leadership is under increasing pressure to address these challenges as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impact of climate change.