This study investigates the levels of gaseous and particulate pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, CO, and CO₂) emitted during charcoal-grilling activities in five selected restaurants in the Al-Karkh district of Baghdad, with a focus on their environmental and health implications. Developing countries, including Iraq, face severe pollution-related challenges exacerbated by inefficient combustion processes inherent to traditional cooking practices. Restaurants that rely on charcoal grilling are a significant source of both indoor and outdoor air pollution, posing acute and chronic health risks to workers and patrons. This research documented measured amounts of pollutants released from burning coal using two types of particulate matter (PM2.5; PM10) by checking each sample for the amount present during specific times (both day and night) over nine workdays in December 2024. Data indicate that very often, PM2.5 and PM10 measurements are substantially greater than the 24-hour guideline values set by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) -- especially on evening peak hours, with maximums of 211 µg/m³ and 212.8 µg/m³, respectively. Carbon dioxide levels were found to be well over 900 parts per million (ppm) at most of the sites checked, indicating very poor air quality from insufficient ventilation, and carbon monoxide (CO) levels were consistently over 35 ppm and as high as 83.0 ppm at night - which can lead to headaches, dizziness, problems with thinking/working, and if exposed to this for an extended time, heart disease. Temperature and relative humidity were both found to be in a thermally good zone; however, relative humidity was found to be 60 percent or more, which adds to increased health problems associated with the pollutants from burning coal, due to a much higher risk of growth of microorganisms. The researchers believe that there is a critical need to put in place effective pollution control measures; that high-efficiency exhaust systems need to be put in place; and there should be a collaborative effort by governmental bodies and restaurant owners to develop strong, enforceable policies for regulating emissions from burning coal and protecting public health in the food-service sector of Baghdad.
