A study by IQAir reveals that 19 of the 20 most polluted cities are in Asia, with India housing the majority. PM2.5 pollution poses severe health risks, with major contributors being fossil fuel combustion and industrial activities. The report highlights significant air quality challenges, urging increased monitoring and stricter regulations globally to combat pollution.
A recent study indicates that 19 out of the 20 most polluted cities in the world are situated in Asia, primarily in India. This reflects the impact of rapid economic growth fueled by coal, with significant contributions from densely populated cities plagued by traffic congestion. The remaining city on the list is N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, which faces severe air quality issues.
The report from IQAir, a Swiss organization focused on global air quality, highlights the dangers of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This pollutant originates from fossil fuel combustion, dust storms, and wildfires, posing substantial health risks including respiratory ailments, stroke, and even cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) sets the annual PM2.5 limit at 5 micrograms per cubic meter, yet several cities far exceed this standard. For example, Byrnihat, India, reported a PM2.5 concentration of 128.2.
Suman Momin, a resident of Byrnihat, expressed concern over the air quality, attributing pollution to nearby factories and construction. She noted the visible effects of pollution on daily life, stating, “It feels very sad and helpless that Byrnihat keeps topping the list.” New Delhi remains the most polluted capital for six consecutive years, with other nearby cities also ranking poorly. While India dropped in overall global rankings, air pollution remains a significant public health issue.
Bangladesh and Pakistan rank second and third in the world respectively for PM2.5 pollution levels. Conversely, China has seen slight improvements, reducing PM2.5 averages, though it remains a major emitter of carbon dioxide. Despite campaigns against air pollution, concerns persist over new coal plant expansions, which may hinder ongoing progress in air quality improvement.
The report emphasizes the urgency of addressing air pollution, highlighting the data gaps in regions like Iran and Afghanistan, which hinder accurate monitoring of air quality. U.S. cessation of global air quality data sharing could further complicate efforts. IQAir’s Global CEO Frank Hammes stressed the importance of air quality data in informing policy and raising awareness about environmental health.
The findings revealed that only a fraction of the cities analyzed globally meet WHO standards. Among North American cities, California’s Ontario, Bloomington, and Huntington Park are noted for poor air quality, despite overall improvements in the region. The report advocates for increased funding for renewable energy and stricter emission regulations to combat pollution effectively.
The recent IQAir report underscores a critical environmental challenge, particularly in Asian cities where pollution exceeds safety standards drastically. Countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are at the forefront of this crisis. While some regions, like China, are witnessing gradual improvements, significant challenges remain. Stakeholders must prioritize data monitoring and enforce stricter regulations to address pollution effectively and safeguard public health.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
