Air Pollution: Most Affected Cities and Countries by PM2.5
Air pollution is one of the most serious environmental challenges of the 21st century, affecting urban and rural areas worldwide. According to the IQAir AirVisual 2018 report, the most alarming levels are found in Asia, especially India.
PM2.5 Particles: the invisible enemy
PM2.5 particles, smaller than 2.5 microns, are produced by industry, vehicles, intensive agriculture, and inefficient heating. In urban areas, 70% comes from atmospheric chemical reactions; in rural zones, biomass burning contributes significantly.
A public health crisis
According to the UN, air pollution in cities causes around 7 million premature deaths annually, being the largest environmental health risk. About 60% of the global population is exposed to dangerous levels, increasing respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases.
Most polluted cities
IQAir analyzed over 3,000 cities. 64% exceed WHO PM2.5 limits. India leads with 22 of the 30 most polluted cities: New Delhi, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Patna, and Lucknow. Other cities in Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh are also affected.
Most affected capitals
- New Delhi (India)
- Dhaka (Bangladesh)
- Kabul (Afghanistan)
- Manama (Bahrain)
- Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia)
- Kuwait City (Kuwait)
- Beijing (China)
- Kathmandu (Nepal)
- Abu Dhabi (UAE)
- Jakarta (Indonesia)
Most polluted countries
Distinguishing between most polluted (concentration) and largest emitters (total emissions). Countries with the highest PM2.5 levels include:
- Bangladesh
- Pakistan
- India
- Afghanistan
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- China
- Indonesia
Why developing countries lead pollution rankings
- Uncontrolled urban growth: rapid urbanization without sustainable planning.
- Obsolete infrastructure: inefficient transport, heating, and energy systems.
- Low-quality fuels and biomass: use of wood, coal, and dung.
- Weak environmental regulation: laws are insufficient or poorly enforced.
- High population density: large urban populations worsen pollution.
- Immediate economic priorities: economic growth prioritized over environmental policies.
Paradox: developed countries emit more globally, but developing countries face the most dangerous local pollution, with severe health consequences.
