Analysis of fine particulates from fuel burning in a reconstructed building at Çatalhöyük World Heritage Site, Turkey: assessing air pollution in prehistoric settled communities

Fine particulate (PM2.5) concentrations from fuel burning in prehistoric settings surpassed modern safety limits, with dung fuel producing exceptionally high levels (>150,000 µg m−3), far exceeding WHO and EU standards for indoor air quality. Wood burning also posed significant pollution risks, reaching up to 36,000 µg m−3 over short periods. Conducted in a reconstructed Neolithic building at Çatalhöyük, one of the world's earliest large settlements, the study highlights how dense living conditions, poor ventilation, and hearth design contributed to severe indoor air pollution. These findings offer new insights into the health impacts of early settled communities and the relationship between human habitation and environmental exposure in prehistory.

Shillito, L.-M., Namdeo, A., Bapat, A. V., Mackay, H., & Haddow, S. D. (2021). Analysis of fine particulates from fuel burning in a reconstructed building at Çatalhöyük World Heritage Site, Turkey: assessing air pollution in prehistoric settled communities. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 44(3), 1033–1048. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-021-01000-2