Air Pollution In Asia: The Worst Offenders

Air pollution is a significant issue in Asia, causing millions of premature deaths each year. According to the World Health Organization, more than 90% of the 2.5 billion people in East and Southeast Asia breathe unsafe air, making it one of the greatest health threats in the region. Among Asian countries, Bangladesh recorded the worst air quality in 2023, closely followed by Pakistan and India, indicating that South Asia suffers from the worst air pollution overall. The main sources of this dangerous air pollution include tailpipe emissions, forest fire smoke, and the burning of fossil fuels for power generation, industry, and transport. These emissions contribute to fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone, which have severe health impacts, including respiratory problems and potentially fatal diseases such as heart disease and lung cancer.

South Asia has the world's worst air pollution

South Asia has the worst air pollution in the world, according to a report by Swiss climate group IQAir. The report provides an overview of PM2.5 air quality data from 7,812 cities across the globe. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter and is dangerous as it can enter the human respiratory tract. According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, average annual levels of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter. However, in South Asian countries, the levels are alarmingly higher.

Bangladesh recorded the worst air quality among 134 countries monitored by IQAir in 2023. The country's capital, Dhaka, had an average of 80.2 micrograms of PM2.5 particles per cubic meter. The report attributed the poor air quality in Bangladesh to "brick kiln and other industrial emissions, agricultural waste burning, and cremation practices." It is estimated that there are 8,000 brick kilns in Bangladesh, some of which operate illegally, contributing to the country's air pollution crisis.

Pakistan and India closely followed Bangladesh in the report, with Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest city, recording an average of 99.5 micrograms of PM2.5 particles per cubic meter. Eighty-three cities in India exceeded the recommended limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter, with Begusarai, the industrial capital of Bihar, recording a staggering 118.9 micrograms. New Delhi, India's capital, had an average of 92.7 micrograms. The report highlighted that the burning of solid fuel for cooking and heating, especially during the colder months, exacerbates air pollution in these countries.

The impact of air pollution in South Asia is severe, resulting in significant economic costs and health issues. It is estimated that air pollution causes approximately 2 million premature deaths in the region each year. While some efforts have been made by South Asian governments to address the problem, such as banning coal burning and older vehicles in certain areas, more cooperation and intervention are needed to effectively reduce air pollution in the region.

Bangladesh, Pakistan and India are the worst offenders

Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India are the worst offenders when it comes to air pollution in Asia. According to the 2024-25 IQAir report, South Asia continues to dominate the list of the world's most polluted countries, with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India taking three of the top five spots. Bangladesh ranks second, Pakistan third, and India fifth.

In 2023, Bangladesh recorded the worst air quality of 134 countries monitored by the Swiss climate group, IQAir. Pakistan and India followed closely behind, with South Asia suffering from the worst pollution in the world overall. The poor air quality in these countries is often attributed to various factors, including brick kiln and other industrial emissions, agricultural waste burning, cremation practices, and the burning of solid fuels for cooking and heating.

Northern India and Delhi are particularly affected by poor air quality due to biomass burning, coal burning, and vehicle emissions. Eighty-three cities in India have air quality that exceeds the recommended limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter. New Delhi, for example, recorded an average of 92.7 micrograms of PM2.5 particles per cubic meter in 2023.

Pakistan is also struggling with severe air pollution, with Lahore recording an average of 99.5 micrograms of PM2.5 particles per cubic meter in 2023. In November 2023, Punjab province was engulfed in smog, leading to an emergency declaration and the closure of all public places. Lahore also made face masks mandatory during this time.

The geography of South Asia contributes to the accumulation of air pollution. Pollutants from the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which includes parts of Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Nepal, mix with those brought by coastal winds, leading to hazardous levels of air pollution.

East and Southeast Asia are heavily affected

South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India have the worst air pollution in the world. However, East and Southeast Asian countries are heavily affected by air pollution, which has become an all-too-familiar sight in the region. According to Dechen Tsering, the regional director and representative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for Asia and the Pacific, "Air pollution is one of the greatest health threats facing this region right now."

Fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone are the two most damaging types of air pollution in Asia and the Pacific. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, refers to microscopic particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter. These particles can penetrate deep into the human respiratory tract, triggering heart disease, lung cancer, and other potentially fatal diseases. Ground-level ozone, a gas formed from the heating of fuel vapors, chemical solvents, and other pollutants by the sun, is the primary ingredient in smog and has been linked to respiratory issues such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

Live data from UNEP showed that, on a typical mid-August day in 2023, over 98% of people in China, Japan, Laos, the Republic of Korea, and Vietnam breathed air with PM2.5 levels exceeding World Health Organization guidelines. Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania had the second-highest rate of premature deaths from PM2.5 in 2021, with China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines being the most affected. According to a series of UNEP-supported reports, five common pollutants—carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, PM2.5, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia—are on the rise in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Taking meaningful steps to reduce air pollution could save a combined 230,000 lives in these three nations, with the vast majority in Indonesia, where air pollution is projected to cause over 200,000 premature deaths annually by 2030.

Overall, air pollution poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of people in East and Southeast Asia. Reducing air pollution is crucial to saving lives and boosting economic growth in the region.

PM2.5 particles are extremely dangerous

Bangladesh recorded the worst air quality of 134 countries monitored by the Swiss climate group, IQAir in 2023. Pakistan and India were close behind, with the report showing that South Asia suffers from the worst air pollution in the world. Within each of the countries monitored by IQAir, air quality can vary hugely from city to city. For example, Begusarai, the industrial and financial capital of India's Bihar, with refineries and power stations, had a whopping 118.9 micrograms of PM2.5 particles per cubic metre on average in 2023.

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter. These particles are dangerous because they can pass deep into the human respiratory tract. They are small enough to be breathed into the deepest parts of the lungs and sometimes even enter the bloodstream. PM2.5 particles can be released during natural events such as dust storms and wildfires, or they can be caused by human activities such as coal burning and agricultural work. They are also produced by emissions from the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, or wood, as well as from indoor sources like smoking tobacco, cooking, and burning candles or incense. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average annual levels of PM2.5 should not surpass 5 micrograms per cubic meter, but this standard is rarely met.

The health effects of PM2.5 particles can be severe, especially for people who are sensitive to air pollution, including young children, older people, pregnant women, and those with allergies, heart, or lung conditions. High levels of PM2.5 can cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, tightness of the chest, and difficulty breathing. Short-term exposures of up to 24 hours have been associated with premature mortality, increased hospital admissions for heart or lung causes, acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks, emergency room visits, respiratory symptoms, and restricted activity days.

To protect yourself from the harmful effects of PM2.5 particles, it is important to stay informed about the air quality in your area and take appropriate precautions. Sources like the EPA AirWatch provide air quality data and forecasts to help you plan your activities accordingly. It is also crucial to reduce emissions of pollutants that form PM2.5 and for governments to implement regulations to improve air quality and protect public health.

Reducing air pollution will save lives and money

South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, suffer from the worst air pollution in the world. In 2023, Bangladesh recorded the poorest air quality of 134 countries monitored by the Swiss climate group, IQAir. The industrial and financial capital of India's Bihar, Begusarai, had a whopping 118.9 micrograms of PM2.5 particles per cubic meter on average in 2023. These particles are dangerous as they can enter the human respiratory tract and cause serious health issues.

Reducing air pollution is crucial not only for the environment but also for public health and economic welfare. Here are some ways in which lowering air pollution will save lives and money:

Improved Health and Life Expectancy

Lowering air pollution leads to significant health benefits. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reducing air pollution toxics emitted from power plants can enhance public health, especially for minority and low-income populations who are more vulnerable to asthma and other health conditions. Additionally, the EPA's Clean Air Act has resulted in Americans breathing less polluted air, reducing the risks of premature death and other severe health issues. Similarly, the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (Air Convention) has achieved remarkable results, including increased life expectancy and approximately 600,000 lives saved annually.

Reduced Health Care Costs

The economic benefits of reducing air pollution are significant. Lower pollution leads to fewer air-pollution-related illnesses, resulting in reduced medical treatment costs. The EPA estimates that for every dollar spent on reducing pollution, Americans receive $3-9 in health benefits. Additionally, improved air quality can lead to lower absenteeism among workers, further enhancing productivity and reducing healthcare costs for families and businesses.

Economic Growth and Savings

Clean air promotes economic growth by reducing environmental damage and improving energy efficiency. The Clean Air Act has successfully cut pollution while the US economy has grown. Additionally, the EPA's standards for passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks are expected to save consumers and businesses $1.7 trillion over the vehicles' lifetimes, while also reducing oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. These standards promote the use of cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles, benefiting both the environment and the economy.

Ecosystem Protection

Reducing air pollution also protects ecosystems and natural resources. Trees, for example, act as natural filters, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. By preserving and planting trees, we can mitigate the effects of air pollution on the environment. Additionally, transitioning to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment can reduce pollution from gas-powered small engines, contributing to overall emissions reduction.

In conclusion, addressing air pollution is a critical step towards safeguarding public health, boosting economies, and preserving the planet for future generations. The benefits of reducing air pollution are far-reaching and emphasize the importance of implementing effective strategies to achieve cleaner air and a sustainable future.

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