Air Pollution: Which Country Suffers The Most?

Air pollution is a pressing global issue, with 99% of people worldwide breathing unsafe air. While the least-polluted areas are islands with small populations, air pollution is a significant problem in emerging and developing countries, where environmental standards are often not met. The World Health Organization's recommended limit for air pollution is 10 micrograms per cubic meter, but national guidelines vary and are often much higher. According to various reports, the most polluted countries in the world include Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Iraq.

Chad: worst air pollution in 2022

Chad, a landlocked country in north-central Africa, had the worst air pollution in 2022. With a PM2.5 concentration of 89.7 µg/m³, Chad's air pollution was more than 17 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual guideline for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) of 5 µg/m³. This puts Chad far above the WHO target for air pollution, which is set at 0-10 µg/m³.

The high level of air pollution in Chad is driven by several factors, including desert dust, vehicle emissions, and biomass burning. These sources of pollution are not unique to Chad, as other countries, such as Iraq, Pakistan, and India also struggle with poor air quality due to similar factors. However, the impact of these pollutants in Chad is exacerbated by limited monitoring and data availability. According to IQAir, in 2022, the only real-time, publicly available source of air quality data for Chad was a single monitor in the city of N'Djamena. This lack of comprehensive data makes it challenging to fully understand the extent and specific sources of air pollution in Chad.

Air pollution has severe health implications for Chad's population, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and women. It contributes to breathing issues, worsens asthma, and has been linked to congenital disabilities. The high levels of particulate matter in Chad's air can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, affecting nearly every organ and system in the body. The health risks associated with air pollution are not limited to Chad but are a global concern, with air pollution being among the biggest health problems of modern industrial society. According to The Lancet, air pollution caused nearly 4.5 million premature deaths in 2019 worldwide.

To address the air quality crisis in Chad, there is a need for increased monitoring and data collection. Community-led initiatives for air quality monitoring have been advocated by organizations like IQAir, as they can empower citizens to take action and hold polluters accountable. Additionally, Chad can explore green alternatives and environmentally friendly policies to reduce pollution levels. This includes adopting solar and wind energy, eco-friendly building materials, and non-toxic products, similar to the approaches taken by countries with high air quality, such as Switzerland, France, and Denmark. By combining improved monitoring, community involvement, and sustainable practices, Chad can work towards mitigating its air pollution crisis and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.

Bangladesh: most polluted in 2023

Bangladesh is considered the world's most polluted country in 2023, with fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) far exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of 10 micrograms per cubic meter. According to the Air Quality Life Index 2023, Bangladesh's air had an average PM2.5 level of 74 micrograms per cubic meter, compared to 58.7, 30.2, and 7.8 for India, China, and the US, respectively. This level of pollution is estimated to shorten the average Bangladeshi resident's life expectancy by 6.8 years, with some areas, like Gazipur, faring worse and experiencing up to 8.3 years of reduced life expectancy.

The primary sources of Bangladesh's air pollution are household emissions and transport and industry emissions. The use of solid fuels for cooking and heating contributes significantly to indoor air pollution, affecting women and children disproportionately. Incomplete fuel combustion in ageing vehicles, particularly common in older ones, releases dangerous levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a pollutant that irritates airways and aggravates respiratory diseases. Additionally, the growing concentration of NO2 in Dhaka, counter to global trends, is causing serious health concerns and depleting the Earth's stratospheric ozone layer.

The Bangladesh Country Environmental Analysis (CEA) highlights the detrimental effects of environmental pollution, including air pollution, unsafe water, poor sanitation, and lead exposure. These issues cause over 272,000 premature deaths and 5.2 billion days of illness annually, with a significant economic impact, costing approximately 17.6% of the country's GDP in 2019. Lead poisoning is of particular concern, causing irreversible damage to children's brain development and resulting in an estimated annual loss of nearly 20 million IQ points.

To address these pressing issues, the World Bank report emphasizes the need for timely interventions in air pollution control, improved water and sanitation infrastructure, and lead exposure reduction. Bangladesh has received significant international funding for outdoor air quality improvements, totaling USD 2.4 billion between 2015 and 2021, reflecting the recognition of the urgency of the situation. Additionally, Bangladesh has agreed with three other South Asian countries—India, Nepal, and Pakistan—to reduce national annual average PM2.5 levels to 35 micrograms per cubic meter by 2030. While this agreement awaits political endorsement, it demonstrates a commitment to improving air quality and mitigating the health and environmental impacts of pollution.

India: high PM2.5 concentration

India is one of the countries with the highest PM2.5 concentrations, with several of its cities exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 10 micrograms per cubic meter.

PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, is one of the most harmful air pollutants and has been linked to adverse health effects, including respiratory issues, worsening asthma, congenital disabilities, and an increased risk of lung disease. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), values above 100 are generally considered unsatisfactory, and the higher the value, the more harmful the air quality.

In India, cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Patna have consistently reported high levels of PM2.5 pollution. For example, the R.K. Puram area in Delhi recorded a level of 190 on the AQI, while other areas in the city have reported even higher levels. GAIA air quality monitoring stations are using high-tech laser particle sensors to measure PM2.5 pollution levels in real time, providing valuable data for analysis and decision-making.

The primary sources of India's air pollution are diverse and varied. They include vehicle emissions, biomass burning, industrial growth, traffic congestion, and dust storms. The country's reliance on biomass for cooking and heating, particularly in lower-income households, significantly contributes to indoor air pollution, which can have dire health implications, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and women.

To address the air quality crisis, India has implemented various initiatives and policies. For instance, the government has encouraged the use of green alternatives, such as solar and wind energy, eco-friendly building materials, and non-toxic products, to reduce the country's environmental footprint and improve overall air quality. Additionally, real-time air pollution monitoring stations, like those provided by the New Delhi US Embassy, offer valuable data to help residents make informed decisions about their immediate environment and health.

Iraq: pollution from oil sector

Iraq's pollution levels have been on a sharp upward trajectory in recent years, with a PM2.5 concentration of 39.6 in 2019 rising to 80.1 in 2022. This is largely due to industrial growth, traffic congestion, and recurrent dust storms, with urban centres such as Baghdad being particularly affected. The ongoing conflict in the country is also a contributing factor, as it damages infrastructure and raises dust levels.

One of the significant sources of pollution in Iraq is the oil sector. Oil and gas exploration and extraction have long been recognised as contributors to environmental degradation in the country. The Iraqi Law of Protection and Improvement of the Environment, passed in 2009, aimed to address this issue by implementing policies to protect against pollution from these industries. More recently, in 2020, Iraq ratified the Paris Agreement and, with support from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), developed its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). These contributions include specific actions to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas sector, with a focus on conducting regular detection programs for methane leaks at oil and gas facilities.

The oil sector's gas flaring practices have been identified as a significant contributor to air pollution in Iraq. In addition, heavy fighting around oil refineries and installations has led to the release of hazardous substances, affecting soil and groundwater. For example, there has been intense fighting around the Baiji oil refinery, and attacks on other industrial installations, which have resulted in environmental contamination and civilian exposure to toxic substances. IS has also been accused of polluting water sources with oil waste and toxic chemicals and targeting oil and gas installations with chemical incidents, further exacerbating the problem.

To address these issues, Iraq has been working with UNEP to reduce methane emissions, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This includes capacity building and technical assistance to mitigate methane emissions. In 2021, UNEP launched a training series for members of Iraq's inter-ministerial methane task force, aiming to develop the technical knowledge and capacity needed to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. Additionally, the Iraqi Ministry of Health and Environment, with UNDP support, submitted updated NDCs in 2021, focusing on reducing methane emissions in key sectors, including oil and gas, through various measures such as investing in methane capture for electricity production.

While Iraq has made notable efforts to tackle pollution from its oil sector, the ongoing conflict and the environmental impact of oil and gas activities continue to pose significant challenges to improving air quality in the country.

China: largest carbon dioxide emitter

China is the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide and was once at the top of the global rankings for the worst air quality. However, in recent years, the country has seen an improvement in its air quality, particularly in megacities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. This improvement is the result of a campaign against air pollution, driven by a massive expansion in solar and wind energy.

China's air pollution problem was once so severe that it was well-known for its thick layer of smog, which could be seen during the early morning hours. Despite recent improvements, China still faces significant challenges in addressing air pollution, especially in cities that have fueled its economic growth.

The country's air pollution is primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels, including fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, coal- or oil-burning power plants, and factories. Any activity that involves the burning of wood or fossil fuels can release particulate matter, contributing to the overall air pollution levels.

China's efforts to improve air quality are part of a broader trend where countries are increasingly turning to green alternatives to prevent further damage to the planet. Solar and wind energy, eco-friendly building materials, and non-toxic products are being adopted worldwide to address the negative impacts of pollution.

While China has made notable progress in reducing air pollution, it is important to recognize that the country still faces challenges due to its large population and economic activities. China's air quality improvements are a step in the right direction, and continued efforts will be crucial to ensure sustainable progress and a healthier environment for its citizens.

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