Most of the World Breathes Polluted Air
A recent report by Switzerland-based air quality monitoring database IQAir reveals that only seven countries worldwide maintain good air quality. The analysis, based on data from 40,000 air quality monitoring stations across 138 countries, found that Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India have the most polluted air. India alone accounted for six of the nine most polluted cities, with Byrnihat, a northeastern industrial town, ranking as the worst.
Seven Countries Meet WHO Air Quality Standards
According to the report, only Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Estonia, Grenada, Iceland, and New Zealand met the WHO annual average PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³.
The Five Most Polluted Countries in 2024
The report identified the following countries as having the worst air pollution levels:
- Chad (91.8 µg/m³) – More than 18 times the WHO PM2.5 annual guideline.
- Bangladesh (78.0 µg/m³) – More than 15 times the WHO guideline.
- Pakistan (73.7 µg/m³) – More than 14 times the WHO guideline.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (58.2 µg/m³) – More than 11 times the WHO guideline.
- India (50.6 µg/m³) – More than 10 times the WHO guideline.
Byrnihat: The World’s Most Polluted City
Byrnihat, India, recorded the highest air pollution levels in 2024, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 µg/m³.
The Hidden Health Crisis of Air Pollution
Air pollution remains a major public health and environmental hazard, yet millions remain unaware of its dangers. As reported by TOI, Frank Hammes, Global CEO of IQAir, emphasized, “Air quality data saves lives. It raises awareness, informs policy decisions, guides public health interventions, and empowers communities to take action against air pollution.”
How Air Pollution Harms Health
Long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of serious illnesses, including:
- Respiratory diseases: Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and lung infections.
- Cardiovascular issues: High blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and irregular heartbeat.
- Developmental disorders: Low birth weight, premature births, and cognitive impairments in children.
A Call for Action
With air pollution posing a significant threat to global health, urgent action is needed. Governments, policymakers, and communities must collaborate to reduce emissions, implement clean energy solutions, and prioritize air quality monitoring to safeguard future generations.