Tbilisi - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
General Air Quality: • Overview: The air quality in Tbilisi can vary significantly throughout the year. While there are periods of relatively good air quality, there are also times when pollution levels can be concerning. • Pollutants: Common pollutants in Tbilisi include particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). These pollutants primarily come from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and residential heating. Seasonal Air Quality Issues: • Winter months: Air quality tends to be worse during the winter months (November to February). This is due to increased use of heating systems, which often rely on burning wood or coal, and temperature inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground. • Summer months: During the summer, air quality can also be affected by vehicle emissions and industrial activities. However, the levels of particulate matter are generally lower compared to the winter months. • Spring and fall: Air quality during the spring and fall is typically better than in the winter but can still be impacted by traffic and industrial emissions. Impact on Health: • Respiratory issues: Poor air quality, especially high levels of particulate matter, can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic respiratory diseases. • Cardiovascular health: Long-term exposure to air pollution can also have adverse effects on cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. • Vulnerable populations: Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality. - Mar 2025
Air quality is a persistent challenge, but it generally doesn't negatively affect people's quality of life. Nowhere near the levels in say Ulanbataar or Delhi. - Aug 2024
There are air quality problems in downtown Tbilisi because of the landscape and traffic. It can get as bad as New Delhi, but I never noticed it physically. I was in Mexico City which was noticeably bad. - Aug 2024
Some complain about air quality especially downtown. - Aug 2023
Moderate to bad. Especially in summer and winter due to wood burning stoves and no regulations on vehicles. - Sep 2022
Air quality is okay. - Jun 2020
Bad, unregulated air quality. Tons of old cars on the road with no emission control standards - that's the biggest problem. People are now getting tested for blood lead levels because of this. Air quality in Dighomi, which is outside the center of the city, is much better, because it's not as much in the "bowl" of the center. One good thing about Tbilisi is that strong winds come through every 2 weeks or so, bringing in fresh air. - Jan 2019
Good, I think. There are definitely some days when it seems hazy and smells gross, but in general, Tbilisi is pretty breezy, and that helps keep the pollution away. I usually keep my windows rolled up while I'm driving, but I also go running outside all the time. As long as I stay off the main streets, it's fine. It's worse in the winter when people burn things for heat. There are cities in America with worse pollution. - Apr 2017
Air quality downtown is not very good due to the car exhaust - there are lots of very old cars on the road. But, north of the city where the embassy is, it generally didn't suffer from air quality issues. - Feb 2017
Air quality is good. - May 2016
The air quality is fine. Normally I have seasonal allergies, but I had no problems whatsoever in Georgia. - Jul 2014
Usually good, though construction and the burning of trash sometimes degrade the air quality. - Oct 2011
Good in Tbilisi, there is some dust from constant construction and roads. You can feel the grit inside your house. - Sep 2011
Moderate. The city is very dusty due to bankrupt abandoned real estate projects. - Apr 2011
Air quality varies with the weather. When it's cloudy, the air is stagnant and polluted. When it rains or is windy, the air cleans up. Asthma sufferers should be aware that it can cause problems. - Jun 2010
