Air pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues today, causing millions of deaths and illnesses worldwide each year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as one of the most dangerous pollutants, as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to a range of health problems such as respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and even cancer.
PM2.5 levels are measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), and the recommended safe limit is 5 µg/m³ annually.
However, many countries are experiencing far higher levels, putting their populations at severe risk.
Here, we take a closer look at 20 nations that suffer from the world’s worst air pollution, based on the highest average PM2.5 concentrations.
These countries face significant challenges, but understanding the scale of the problem is the first step toward finding solutions.
1. Bangladesh
Bangladesh tops the list with an alarming average PM2.5 concentration of 79.9 µg/m³. The country’s rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and vehicle emissions contribute heavily to its pollution levels.
The dense population in cities like Dhaka, combined with unregulated industrial emissions, exacerbates the problem.
Air pollution in Bangladesh leads to thousands of premature deaths and affects the health of millions of people.
2. Pakistan
Pakistan ranks second with an average PM2.5 concentration of 73.7 µg/m³. The air pollution here is primarily driven by vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and the burning of biomass for cooking.
Cities like Lahore and Karachi experience severe smog, especially during winter, which can reduce visibility and cause significant health issues, particularly among children and the elderly.
3. India
India, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 µg/m³, is one of the most polluted countries in the world.
The major contributors to air pollution in India are vehicular emissions, crop-burning practices, and the use of coal for energy.
Cities like New Delhi often experience severe smog during the winter months, making the air difficult to breathe and leading to a range of respiratory illnesses.
4. Tajikistan
With an average PM2.5 concentration of 49.0 µg/m³, Tajikistan faces significant air quality challenges. The country’s reliance on coal for heating, along with its limited industrial infrastructure, contributes to the pollution.
Additionally, the low altitude and mountainous geography of Tajikistan make it difficult for pollutants to disperse, leading to more concentrated pollution levels.
5. Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso, located in West Africa, has an average PM2.5 concentration of 46.6 µg/m³. Dust storms from the Sahara Desert and the use of biomass fuels for cooking are major contributors to the country’s air pollution.
While the country’s air quality varies throughout the year, the hot, dry season exacerbates the levels of particulate matter in the air.
6. Iraq
Iraq, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 43.8 µg/m³, has suffered from environmental degradation due to decades of conflict.
Industrial emissions, oil refinery activities, and the burning of waste materials contribute significantly to the poor air quality.
Sandstorms in the region further compound the air pollution problem, leading to a toxic mix of particulate matter.
7. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 43.0 µg/m³, faces significant air pollution due to its rapid urbanization, heavy vehicle emissions, and construction activities.
The country’s hot, arid climate also contributes to the presence of dust in the air. Additionally, the UAE’s reliance on oil and gas industries further exacerbates the air quality problem.
8. Nepal
Nepal, with a PM2.5 concentration of 42.4 µg/m³, struggles with air pollution caused by vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and the widespread use of biomass for cooking.
The topography of the region, with its mountainous terrain, makes it difficult for pollutants to disperse. In cities like Kathmandu, air pollution is particularly problematic, especially during the winter months when temperature inversions trap pollution close to the ground.
9. Egypt
Egypt has an average PM2.5 concentration of 42.4 µg/m³, with air pollution primarily caused by vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and the burning of agricultural waste.
Cairo, the country’s largest city, experiences significant air quality issues, with thick smog blanketing the city and affecting the health of its residents.
10. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The DRC, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 40.8 µg/m³, faces significant challenges with air pollution.
Deforestation and the burning of wood for cooking fuel contribute heavily to the country’s pollution levels.
Additionally, the rapid urbanization of cities like Kinshasa leads to more vehicle emissions and industrial waste, further compounding the problem.
11. Kuwait
Kuwait has an average PM2.5 concentration of 39.9 µg/m³, driven by industrial emissions, oil extraction activities, and vehicle pollution.
The country’s arid desert climate also leads to frequent dust storms, which add to the pollution levels. Air quality can be particularly poor during the hot summer months.
12. Bahrain
Bahrain, with a PM2.5 concentration of 39.2 µg/m³, experiences significant air pollution due to vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and its proximity to oil-producing areas.
The country’s small size and high population density make it particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of poor air quality.
13. Qatar
Qatar, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 37.6 µg/m³, faces air pollution caused by its oil and gas industries, industrial emissions, and the construction sector.
Dust storms and high temperatures contribute to the poor air quality, and the country’s rapid urbanization exacerbates the problem.
14. Indonesia
Indonesia, with a PM2.5 concentration of 37.1 µg/m³, suffers from air pollution caused by forest fires, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust.
The burning of forests, particularly during the dry season, contributes to large-scale air pollution that affects neighboring countries as well.
15. Rwanda
Rwanda, with a PM2.5 concentration of 36.8 µg/m³, has relatively low levels of industrial pollution, but the use of biomass for cooking and the increase in vehicle emissions are contributing to the growing air quality problems in urban areas.
16. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 33.3 µg/m³, experiences air pollution primarily from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and deforestation.
In urban areas like Harare, air quality is often poor, especially during the dry season when the use of biomass fuels increases.
17. Ghana
Ghana, with a PM2.5 concentration of 33.2 µg/m³, faces air pollution due to deforestation, vehicle emissions, and the widespread use of biomass for cooking.
Accra, the country’s capital, is particularly affected by air quality issues, which can lead to respiratory problems among residents.
18. Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 33.1 µg/m³, experiences air pollution caused by vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and the use of coal for heating.
In cities like Bishkek, air quality is particularly poor during the winter months when coal burning increases.
19. China
China, with a PM2.5 concentration of 32.9 µg/m³, has made significant improvements in air quality in recent years, but still struggles with severe pollution in many regions.
Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and coal burning are major contributors to air pollution. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou often experience high levels of smog, particularly during the winter.
20. Myanmar
Myanmar, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 31.0 µg/m³, faces air pollution caused by vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and the use of biomass for cooking.
Air quality in cities like Yangon can be particularly poor, leading to health problems for the population.
Alicia Richards