Greta Jimenez
Air pollution is a significant health problem in modern industrial society, causing more than 10% of all deaths worldwide. The World Health Organization's recommended limit for average measured concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5) is 10 micrograms per cubic meter. However, some countries have much higher concentrations of PM2.5, which is one of the smallest yet most dangerous pollutants. It comes from sources such as fossil fuel burning, dust storms, and forest fires, and can cause respiratory problems, chronic kidney disease, and trigger cancer, stroke, or heart attacks. Here is an overview of some of the countries with the worst air pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries with the worst air pollution | Chad, Burundi, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Tajikistan, Nepal, Bangladesh |
| Air pollutant | PM2.5 |
| World Health Organization's recommended limit for PM2.5 | 10 micrograms per cubic meter |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 0-100: Satisfactory, 101-200: Unhealthy for at-risk groups, 201-300: Unhealthy for everyone, >300: Hazardous for all |
| Cleanest countries in the world | Switzerland, France, Denmark |
| Causes of air pollution in Chad | Desert dust, vehicle emissions, biomass burning |
| Causes of air pollution in Pakistan | Exhaust gases from vehicles, agricultural land burning |
| Causes of air pollution in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Use of wood and charcoal for cooking |
| Causes of air pollution in India | Traffic, construction activities, industrial fumes, brick kilns |
| Causes of air pollution in Tajikistan | Cement industry, waste, coal burning |
| Causes of air pollution in Nepal | Unknown, but low air quality is a leading cause of death and disability |
| Causes of air pollution in Bangladesh | Traffic, construction activities, industrial fumes, brick kilns |
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What You'll Learn
Chad has the worst air pollution in the world
The IQ Air scale, used by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, considers values above 35.5 µg/m³ unhealthy for sensitive groups, levels between 55.5 and 150.4 µg/m³ unhealthy for all, and anything higher is classified as very unhealthy or hazardous. Chad's PM2.5 levels far exceed these thresholds, indicating a severe air quality crisis.
Air pollution is a critical issue in emerging and developing countries, where adhering to global environmental standards can be challenging. It is responsible for over 10% of all deaths worldwide, causing nearly 4.5 million premature deaths in 2019, according to The Lancet. It affects nearly every organ and system in the human body and has detrimental effects on both nature and humans.
While Chad currently holds the unfortunate distinction of having the worst air pollution, other countries, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Nepal, also face significant air quality issues, with their respective capitals ranking within the top 10 most polluted cities.
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Burundi is also highly polluted
Burundi is highly polluted, with Bujumbura, the capital, suffering from consistently high levels of air pollution. The air pollution in Burundi is caused by a combination of factors, including the use of biomass (such as wood, crops, and straw) for energy in households, industrial pollution, and the burning of household and agricultural waste. These sources of pollution release a mix of chemicals, particulate matter, and biological materials into the air, which react with each other to form tiny hazardous particles.
The concentration of particulate matter (PM) is a critical indicator of air quality as it is the most common air pollutant that affects both short-term and long-term health. There are two sizes of particulate matter used to analyze air quality: fine particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and coarse particles with a diameter of less than 10 µm (PM10). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recommended limit for PM2.5 is 10 micrograms per cubic meter, though national guidelines may vary and are often much higher.
The effects of air pollution on human health are significant. Short-term exposure to polluted air in Burundi can lead to itchy eyes, nose, and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, nausea, and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also exacerbate asthma and emphysema. Long-term exposure has even more severe consequences, including lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory illness, and the development of allergies. Additionally, air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The indoor burning of biomass for cooking and heating, a common practice in Burundi, has dire health implications for the population, especially vulnerable groups such as children and women. The World Health Organization's Air Quality Guidelines aim to protect the health of individuals by providing a framework for reducing air pollution-related health impacts. While the target for air pollution is set at 0-10 µg/m³, levels above 35.5 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, and anything above 150.5 is deemed very unhealthy or hazardous.
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Pakistan's air pollution is a concern
Pakistan's air pollution is a major concern, with the country consistently ranking as one of the most polluted in the world. In 2024, Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, recorded its worst air quality ever, leading to the hospitalisation of hundreds of people and the closure of primary schools. The air quality was so poor that it caused chest pains and eye irritation among residents.
Pakistan's pollution levels are attributed to its megacities, with cities like Gujranwala and Faisalabad ranking in the top 5 most polluted cities globally. The country's annual average PM2.5 readings are alarmingly high, at 65.81 μg/m³, which is far above the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 10 μg/m³. These fine particles can have serious health implications, affecting nearly every organ and system in the body.
The consequences of air pollution in Pakistan are dire, with an estimated 128,000 deaths attributed to it annually, and a reduction in average life expectancy by 3.9 years, according to the Air Quality Life Index. In Lahore, the impact is even more severe, with air pollution reducing life expectancy by 7 years. The destruction of green spaces, crop burning, and a lack of a viable public transport system have all contributed to the worsening air quality in the country.
To address this issue, the Pakistani government should introduce regulations to limit air pollution, enforce strict air quality standards, and transition to cleaner energy sources. Developing more green spaces and joining global efforts to phase out fossil fuels are also crucial steps towards improving air quality in Pakistan. The situation in Pakistan underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to tackle air pollution, a pressing issue that affects both the environment and public health.
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South Asian countries like India and Nepal have poor air quality
South Asian countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have consistently ranked among the worst for air pollution in recent years. According to a Swiss climate group, IQAir, Bangladesh had the poorest air quality of 134 countries monitored in 2023. Pakistan and India closely followed, with India occupying nine of the top ten spots for the most polluted cities. Many cities from Nepal also featured prominently in the report.
The poor air quality in these South Asian countries is often attributed to various factors, including industrial emissions, agricultural waste burning, cremation practices, and vehicle emissions. Northern India and Delhi, in particular, suffer from severe air pollution due to biomass burning, coal burning, and vehicle emissions. The annual crop burning practice in India and Pakistan also contributes significantly to the region's air pollution.
The Indo-Gangetic Plain, which includes Bangladesh, eastern Pakistan, most of northern and eastern India, and southern Nepal, experiences high levels of pollution. The pollutants emitted in this region mix with those carried by coastal winds and become trapped by the Himalayas to the north. As a result, the air quality in these countries deteriorates, posing significant health risks to the population.
The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) published by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) in 2023 revealed that the average Indian's life expectancy is reduced by 5.3 years due to PM2.5 pollution. The Environmental Research Group at Imperial College London also found connections between air pollution and adverse health effects, including low birth weight, miscarriages, and hindered development.
While some attempts have been made by South Asian governments to address air pollution, such as banning coal burning and older vehicles in Delhi, the problem persists. The burning of solid fuels for cooking and heating during colder months, plastic rubbish incineration, and increasing emissions contribute to the region's poor air quality. Urgent international cooperation and the implementation of cross-border pollution action plans are necessary to tackle this issue effectively.
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Bangladesh's air pollution is caused by traffic, construction, and industrial fumes
Bangladesh is among the countries with the worst air quality in the world. Chad topped the list of the world's most polluted countries in 2022, with other countries like India, Cambodia, and Pakistan also featuring on this list.
Bangladesh's air pollution is caused by a combination of traffic, construction, and industrial fumes. The country's capital, Dhaka, has been ranked as the second most polluted city globally from 2018 to 2021. The primary sources of pollution in Dhaka are major construction sites and persistent traffic, with the highest levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) found at these sites. The western regions of Bangladesh, such as Khulna and Rajshahi, also experience higher pollution levels than the eastern regions.
Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to the country's air pollution. The growing number of cars, motorbikes, buses, and trucks on the roads emit exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The lack of regulations regarding engine quality allows older vehicles to remain in use, and these emit large amounts of black soot, sulfur, and other toxic compounds.
Industrial discharges and fumes from factories also play a role in air pollution. Bangladesh has a high concentration of factories and small-scale local businesses operating within its cities. The brick kiln industry is particularly notable, with Dhaka being famous for its high output of bricks, producing well over a billion bricks per year. The widespread use of kilns to make bricks contributes to the high levels of PM2.5 in the atmosphere.
Additionally, construction and heavy traffic are linked to increased air pollution and adverse health effects. Sites with major construction and persistent traffic have higher levels of PM2.5, which is considered the most hazardous to health. The incidence of lower respiratory tract infections is significantly higher among children living near these sites. Depression is also more prevalent in locations with major construction and persistent traffic.
Bangladesh is taking steps to address its air pollution problem. The country is pursuing nuclear energy with the construction of two new nuclear power plants, which will help improve air quality by providing emission-free energy. While nuclear energy offers a long-term solution, nearer-term options, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), are also being considered to reduce air pollution from fossil fuels. Community-level screening for respiratory issues and the promotion of preventive healthcare are also being prioritized.
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Frequently asked questions
Countries with the worst air pollution include Chad, Congo, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. Six of the nine most polluted cities were in India, with Byrnihat ranking as the city with the worst air quality.
Chad's poor air quality is driven by factors such as desert dust, vehicle emissions, and biomass burning. Chad's capital, N'Djamena, frequently experiences dust storms, and the country's reliance on biomass as a primary energy source for cooking and heating continues to raise indoor pollution.
Air pollution is among the biggest health problems of modern industrial society and is responsible for a significant number of premature deaths worldwide. It can affect nearly every organ and system in the body and negatively impact both humans and nature.
