Air Pollution: Which Country Suffers The Most?

Air pollution is a pressing global issue, with 99% of the world's population breathing unsafe air. In 2023, Bangladesh was ranked as the most polluted country in the world, with an average PM2.5 concentration of nearly 80 micrograms per cubic meter of air. This is over 25 µg/m³ more than the average concentration in India, which is also among the most polluted countries, with 96% of its population living with air quality 7 times higher than WHO guidelines. Other countries with high air pollution levels include Pakistan, Tajikistan, Burkina Faso, Iraq, China, Kyrgyzstan, Ethiopia, and Armenia. These countries, particularly those in South Asia, face significant challenges in addressing the health and environmental impacts of air pollution.

Bangladesh: highest air pollution in 2023

Bangladesh has been facing severe air pollution, with the country's air quality deteriorating over the years. In 2023, Bangladesh's air quality hit alarming lows, ranking as the worst in the world. According to the World Air Quality Report 2023, the country recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 79.9 µg/m3, exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 10 µg/m3 by a significant margin. This concentration of fine particles or droplets in the air, known as PM2.5, has been linked to various health issues, including respiratory illnesses, heart and lung disease, and cancer.

The main sources of air pollution in Bangladesh include vehicular emissions, fumes from factories, brick kilns, and dust accumulations. Vehicular pollution, including emissions of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, can cause irritation to mucous membranes and increase the risk of chest infections and respiratory conditions. Additionally, the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air has severe health implications, with exposure increasing the probability of breathing difficulties, wet coughs, and lower respiratory tract infections. According to a report by the World Bank, ambient air pollution affects everyone, from children to the elderly, and has led to physical and mental health hazards in the country.

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has been particularly affected by poor air quality. In 2023, Dhaka ranked as the second worst among capital cities for air pollution, with construction sites and persistent traffic contributing to the highest levels of PM2.5. The western regions of Bangladesh, Khulna and Rajshahi, are also more polluted than the eastern regions, with up to one-fifth of the total PM2.5 concentration in the Dhaka division originating from transboundary sources. The report further emphasizes the urgent need for improving public health services, enhancing air pollution data monitoring, and investing in early warning systems to mitigate the impacts of air pollution on the health of Bangladesh's citizens.

Bangladesh's air pollution has severe health consequences for its population. In 2019, air pollution was the second-largest cause of deaths and disability in the country, resulting in approximately 78,145–88,229 deaths. It has also been linked to an increased infant mortality rate, with instances of miscarriage and stillbirths rising significantly. The high levels of air pollution pose risks during pregnancy, with potential effects on unborn babies, including severe underweight births and premature deliveries. The health sector in Bangladesh needs to prepare for the impending health crisis arising from air pollution and its interplay with climate change, which will further intensify pollution levels over time.

Addressing air pollution is critical for Bangladesh's sustainable growth and development. While the country has made progress in various indicators, air quality has deteriorated. The government and citizens must work collectively to implement solutions, such as enforcing fines and punishments for exceeding air pollution levels and promoting preventive healthcare measures. Community-level screening for respiratory issues and close monitoring of air quality data are essential steps to tackle the health impacts of air pollution in Bangladesh.

Chad: highest air pollution in 2022

Chad, a landlocked country in north-central Africa, had the highest air pollution in 2022. According to IQAir's 5th Annual World Air Quality Report, Chad's PM2.5 concentration level was 89.7 µg/m3, more than 17 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual guideline for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This level of air pollution has severe health implications for Chad's population, as air pollution can affect nearly every organ and system in the human body.

The high level of air pollution in Chad is likely due to a combination of factors, including industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and the use of fossil fuels for energy generation. Poor air quality is a significant problem in emerging and developing countries, where global environmental standards can be challenging to meet. In addition, the lack of comprehensive air quality monitoring in Chad may have contributed to the high levels of air pollution, as it can be difficult to address a problem that is not being adequately measured.

Community-led initiatives have played a crucial role in filling the gaps in air quality monitoring data in Chad and other countries. Grassroots efforts, such as deploying low-cost air quality monitors, have helped raise awareness about air pollution and intensified collaborative actions to improve air quality. These initiatives are essential in countries like Chad, where government-led monitoring programs may be lacking or insufficient.

While Chad had the highest air pollution in 2022, other countries have also consistently ranked among the most polluted. Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Tajikistan are frequently mentioned as having high levels of air pollution. These countries often face similar challenges in addressing air pollution, including industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and the use of fossil fuels. Additionally, geographical factors, such as terrain and weather patterns, can also influence air quality in these regions.

Addressing air pollution in Chad and other highly polluted countries requires a multifaceted approach. It involves implementing stricter emission regulations, investing in renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable transportation, and supporting community-led initiatives for monitoring and improving air quality. By combining top-down policies with bottom-up actions, it is possible to make significant strides in reducing air pollution and improving the health and well-being of those living in highly polluted areas.

Pakistan: second highest in 2023

Pakistan has the second-highest air pollution levels in the world in 2023. The country's entire population of 238 million is exposed to particulate pollution levels that exceed the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m³. Pakistan's air quality is mainly affected by local anthropogenic sources. Fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) shortens the average Pakistani resident's life expectancy by 3.3 years, making it the top health threat to the country.

The Health Effects Institute reported that since 1990, Pakistan's entire population has been exposed to PM2.5 annual mean concentrations of 58 µg/m3 in 2017, levels that exceed WHO Interim Target-1 of <35 µg/m3. Pakistan ranks third in the world in terms of mortality attributable to air pollution, with an annual loss of 128,000 lives. The most polluted cities in Pakistan based on AOD are Jhang, Multan, and Vehari. Other highly polluted cities include Lahore, Gujranwala, and Okara.

The air pollution in Pakistan is so severe that it has pushed the city of Lahore's Air Quality Index to off-the-chart levels by U.S. standards. Impounding polluting vehicles, tearing down kilns, banning rickshaws, and closing some barbecue restaurants are some of the measures officials in Pakistan's largest province, Punjab, have implemented to combat the record-breaking air pollution that has hospitalized hundreds and forced students and workers to stay home.

Pakistan's air pollution problem is not a recent development. From 1998 to 2021, the average annual particulate pollution in the country increased by 49.9%, further reducing life expectancy by 1.5 years. In 2022, Pakistan briefly led the world in terms of air pollution levels, only to be surpassed by Bangladesh in 2023.

India: high pollution from vehicles

India is one of the top five most polluted countries in the world, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 55 µg/m³ in 2023. This is over 25 µg/m³ more than the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 10 µg/m³. While there are also various national guideline values, which are often much higher, this level of pollution is a major concern for the health of Indian citizens.

Vehicular emissions are a significant contributor to India's poor air quality. The country's large population and rapid industrialization have led to a significant increase in the number of vehicles on the road, resulting in high levels of pollution from road vehicles. In addition, India's vehicle emission standards are less stringent than those in other countries, further contributing to the problem.

The Indian government has implemented several measures to combat vehicle-related air pollution, including the introduction of stricter emission standards for new vehicles, the promotion of electric and hybrid vehicles, and the development of public transportation systems. However, the rate of vehicle ownership in India continues to outpace the implementation of these measures, and air pollution remains a persistent issue.

Furthermore, India's vehicle emissions are not just a domestic concern. The country's geographic location and meteorological conditions, including its proximity to the Indian Ocean and the prevailing winds, contribute to the transport of pollutants over long distances. This means that vehicle emissions in India can have an impact on the air quality of neighboring countries, particularly those located downwind.

To address the issue of vehicle-related air pollution in India, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This includes not only continuing to implement stricter emission standards and promoting alternative fuel vehicles but also investing in public transportation infrastructure and encouraging carpooling and other forms of shared mobility. Additionally, raising awareness about the impacts of vehicle emissions on health and the environment can help to foster a culture of sustainability and encourage behavioral changes that reduce vehicle emissions.

Tajikistan: part of the top 5 most polluted

Tajikistan is one of the top five most air-polluted countries in the world. The country's air pollution is 7.4 times higher than the recommended limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The capital, Dushanbe, has an air quality index of 193 PM2.5, while other cities like Kulob, Khorugh, and Isfara have even higher scores. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter, which has been linked to various health complications, including premature mortality, heart and lung disease complications, bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory issues.

Tajikistan's air pollution is caused by a combination of industrial activities and vehicle emissions. The country has a significant number of coal-fired power plants and factories, with the largest thermal power plant, Dushanbe-2, burning approximately 45% of the coal produced in Tajikistan. Cement production is also a major contributor to air pollution, with residents living near cement plants complaining about breathing difficulties and dust pollution.

In addition to coal and cement production, vehicle emissions in Tajikistan have doubled in the past decade, with carbon dioxide (CO2) production from vehicles reaching 340,000 to 540,000 tons per year. The country also faces environmental issues such as concentrations of agricultural chemicals and salts in the soil and groundwater, poor management of water resources, soil erosion, and water pollution in the Aral Sea Basin due to untreated industrial waste and sewage.

The link between poverty and pollution is evident in Tajikistan, which is known as one of the poorest countries in Central Asia. Lower-income groups are more exposed to pollutants due to their proximity to highways and industrial areas. The country's weak laws surrounding pollution control and vehicle emissions, as well as its reliance on coal power stations, further contribute to the air pollution problem.

To address the issue of air pollution, Tajikistan has committed to reducing its emissions of greenhouse gases by 30-40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. However, the country's development strategies continue to heavily emphasize industry, with plans to increase cement and coal production. As Tajikistan reindustrializes, the capital city's air pollution is expected to deteriorate further, affecting the health and well-being of its residents.

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