As part of preparations for a general oversight hearing on air pollution and smog, the initial discussion on "Air Pollution and Public Health: The Right to Life, Health, and a Safe Environment" continued with presentations by experts and researchers.  

Dr. A. Enkhjargal, a medical researcher, presented on the topic "Overview of Studies on the Effects of Outdoor and Indoor Air Pollution on Public Health in Mongolia".  

She highlighted findings from both Mongolian and international studies, noting that research on the health impacts of air pollution in Mongolia began in the 1990s with researchers such as N. Saijaa and B. Burmajav. Initial studies measured air quality indicators like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), which linked air pollution to respiratory illnesses. Subsequent research on particulate matter revealed its effects on the immune system, while studies since 2008 have identified its impact on cardiovascular diseases, fetal development, and disease burdens.  

She also noted that indicators such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, and ischemic heart disease are now used under the Sustainable Development Goals to measure the effects of air pollution. She emphasized that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has the most harmful effects on health and noted that banning raw coal has reduced PM2.5 levels by 40%.  

She further presented findings that 90% of a person’s life is spent indoors, emphasizing the significance of clean indoor air. Using air purifiers during pregnancy, for example, has been shown to improve fetal development, increasing birth weight by 80 grams and height by 0.4 cm.  

Dr. B. Jargalsaikhan, a professor and medical advisor from the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, delivered a presentation on "The Effects of Air Pollution on Pregnant Women and Fetuses".  

He reported that increased levels of PM10, PM2.5, CO, and SO₂ during the winter months, due to raw coal use, lead to higher rates of miscarriages and reduced fetal viability. Studies from 2020–2022, however, show that the use of improved briquettes has reduced air pollution in Ulaanbaatar by 50%. Despite this, he noted that indoor CO levels remain dangerously high, exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Reducing PM2.5 levels by 5 mg/m³ could lower preeclampsia rates in pregnant women by 47%, he added.  

Dr. B. Ganzorig, head of the Thoracic Surgery Department at the National Cancer Center, presented on "Air Pollution as a Carcinogen".  

He highlighted that Mongolia ranks 52nd globally for cancer incidence but leads in cancer-related mortality rates. Air pollution, particularly from coal combustion, is a significant risk factor for lung cancer. He also cited a 2015–2017 study that identified a new mutation caused by dimethyl sulfide, a byproduct of coal combustion, in 25% of cancer cases in Mongolia.  

In concluding their presentations, the researchers noted that lung cancer incidence in Mongolia has steadily increased due to air pollution, and the harmful effects of coal use extend beyond lung cancer to liver cancer.  

During the discussion, representatives from the public and Members of Parliament, including B. Uyanga, Z. Mendsaikhan, L. Munkhbayasgalan, H. Baasanjargal, M. Gankhuleg, S. Zamira, J. Zoljargal, and A. Ganbaatar, posed questions. Concerns were raised over discrepancies in official data attributing 56%–80% of air pollution to ger district emissions, the lack of national studies on miscarriages and congenital anomalies linked to air pollution, and whether carbon monoxide poisoning cases are adequately disclosed.  

Representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Health addressed these concerns. E. Battulga, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, stated that air quality is currently measured using six indicators and that more advanced technology to monitor finer pollutants will be introduced with the establishment of a central environmental laboratory in 2027.  

D. Ochirbat, Secretary of the Ministry of Health, reported that carbon monoxide poisoning data is publicly available, noting that from 2017 to 2024, 11,134 people were poisoned, with 51 fatalities in 2023 and 47 in 2024.  

Participants called for increased funding for air pollution research, targeted health programs during the smog season, and government support for electric heating systems to replace traditional stoves in ger districts.  

The discussion was concluded by MP S. Erdenebold, who noted that subsequent discussions on “Standards and Oversight on Air Pollution” and “Legislation, Policy Implementation, Financing, and Accountability” will follow. He emphasized that air pollution violates fundamental constitutional rights, including the right to life and a safe environment, and called for urgent policy reforms and increased transparency.