A recent air quality report by IQAir reveals alarming pollution levels across major cities worldwide. Shockingly, 19 out of the top 20 most polluted cities are in Asia, with India dominating the list. The only city outside Asia to make it to the list is N’Djamena, the capital of Chad in Central Africa.
India Leads in Air Pollution
India, the world’s most populous country, has 13 cities in the top 20. The industrial town of Byrnihat recorded a staggering PM2.5 concentration of 128.2—25 times higher than the WHO’s recommended level. Residents complain of poor visibility, burning eyes, and dust-filled air, making it impossible to step outside without a mask.
New Delhi remains the world’s most polluted capital for the sixth consecutive year, with several satellite cities—Faridabad, Loni, Gurugram, Noida, and Greater Noida—also ranking among the worst. Last year, a thick layer of smog blanketed the city, disrupting daily life and causing a health emergency.
Despite these alarming figures, India’s overall ranking dropped from the third to the fifth most polluted country in the world. However, air pollution continues to be a major health crisis, reducing life expectancy by over five years.
Neighboring Countries Face the Same Crisis
Pakistan and Bangladesh, home to nearly 400 million people, ranked as the second and third most polluted nations globally. These countries, along with India, are struggling with worsening air quality due to rapid urbanization, industrial emissions, and vehicle pollution.
China, once known for its hazardous air, has made slight improvements. The national average PM2.5 concentration dropped to 31 micrograms per cubic meter. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have seen better air quality due to aggressive anti-pollution campaigns and an expansion of solar and wind energy. However, concerns remain as China continues building coal plants, reversing some of its progress.
Air Pollution: A Global Health Threat
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a dangerous air pollutant that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, causing severe health problems like respiratory issues, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Long-term exposure can even lead to depression and anxiety.
The WHO recommends an annual PM2.5 limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter, but all 20 of the world’s most polluted cities exceeded this by at least ten times. The situation is especially concerning in South Asia, where data gaps prevent accurate monitoring. Countries like Iran and Afghanistan were not included in the latest report due to a lack of data.
North America’s Air Quality Situation
California is home to the worst-polluted cities in North America, with Ontario, Bloomington, and Huntington Park leading the list. However, the U.S. saw a 22% reduction in PM2.5 levels last year, thanks to strict environmental regulations and advanced air quality monitoring.
Call for Action
Air pollution remains a global crisis, affecting millions of lives. Governments must take urgent steps to invest in renewable energy, enforce strict emissions regulations, and improve air quality monitoring. Without immediate action, millions will continue to suffer from the devastating health impacts of polluted air.
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