India Dominates List of Most Polluted Cities: Report
A new report by IQAir has revealed that six out of the world’s ten most polluted cities are in India, underscoring a growing environmental crisis. Meanwhile, Chad in Central Africa holds the title of the world’s most polluted country, and California tops North America’s pollution charts.
New Delhi was ranked the most polluted capital globally, followed by N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, which has the worst air quality worldwide. The 2024 World Air Quality Report, published by the Swiss air monitoring company IQAir, highlights that air pollution continues to be a serious health threat.
Pollution in India: A Growing Concern
Despite a 7% decline in PM2.5 concentration last year, air pollution remains a major challenge in India. The country’s air quality crisis is largely fueled by industrial emissions, crop residue burning, and construction dust. IQAir’s report estimates that air pollution reduces life expectancy in India by an average of 5.2 years.
PM2.5, fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, is one of the most dangerous pollutants. These particles, originating from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes, penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease, respiratory problems, and premature death.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an annual PM2.5 concentration of no more than 5 micrograms per cubic meter, only 17% of global cities meet this standard. In Chad, PM2.5 levels exceed WHO guidelines by more than 18 times, primarily due to Saharan desert dust.
North America’s Air Pollution Crisis
The United States has reclaimed the title of North America’s most polluted country, with California leading in air pollution levels. Cities like Ontario and Bloomington are among the ten most polluted urban centers on the continent. Despite its robust air quality monitoring infrastructure, North America still struggles with rising pollution, largely due to wildfires, vehicle emissions, and industrial activity.
The contrast between different global regions is stark. Oceania, which includes Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations, remains the world’s cleanest region, with 57% of its cities meeting WHO air quality standards.
A Call for Action
The report highlights major gaps in air quality monitoring worldwide. While North America accounts for 56% of global ground-based monitoring stations, regions such as Africa, West Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia lack sufficient data collection infrastructure. Some countries, like Cambodia, have no official government monitoring at all.
“Air pollution remains a critical threat to both human health and environmental stability, yet vast populations remain unaware of their exposure levels,” said Frank Hammes, IQAir’s global chief executive. “Air quality data saves lives. It informs policy decisions, guides public health interventions, and empowers communities to take action.”
The issue of air pollution extends beyond environmental concerns—it’s also a significant public health crisis. According to WHO, air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021. Children under five are particularly vulnerable, facing risks such as low birth weight, asthma, and lung disease.
What Can Be Done?
With rising pollution levels worldwide, lifestyle choices also play a role in mitigating health risks. Switching to sustainable alternatives and reducing dependency on fossil fuels can contribute to cleaner air. Even industries like vaping have embraced innovation with eco-conscious designs, such as Mr Fog Vape, Mr Fog Max Air, and Mr Fog Blitz, which offer a cleaner nicotine alternative compared to traditional smoking.
Governments, corporations, and individuals must take decisive action to combat pollution and protect public health. From reducing industrial emissions to investing in green technology, the fight for cleaner air is more urgent than ever.
