Air pollution is a global environment issue that affects the health and well-being of people in urban areas worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that millions of premature deaths occur each year due to the harmful effects of polluted air. In this article, we will explore the top-10 most polluted cities in the world, shedding light on the causes and consequences of their poor air quality.
According to the data from the Swiss Group IQAir, New Delhi in India has topped the list of most polluted cities in the world. With the Air Quality Index of 483, New Delhi is on the top position in both the list of most polluted cities in the world as well as the most polluted cities in India. New Delhi remained the most severely affected city globally, followed by Lahore in Pakistan and Kolkata in India.
A significant number of people are facing discomfort as people struggle to breathe in contaminated air, experiencing eye irritation and scratchy throats as the air has taken on a dense grey appearance. In some monitoring station, the AQI has risen to over 550.
Delhi in India is currently the most polluted city in India as well as the most polluted city in the world with the Air Quality Index (AQI) of 483. Lahore of Pakistan spotted the second position in the list of world’s most polluted cities with the AQI of 371, followed by Kolkata (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Karachi (Pakistan).
Here is the list of top-10 most polluted cities in the world:
| Most Polluted Cities in the World | |||
| Rank | City | Country | AQI |
| 1. | Delhi | India | 483 |
| 2. | Lahore | Pakistan | 371 |
| 3. | Kolkata | India | 206 |
| 4. | Dhaka | Bangladesh | 189 |
| 5. | Karachi | Pakistan | 162 |
| 6. | Mumbai | India | 162 |
| 7. | Shenyang | China | 159 |
| 8. | Hangzhou | China | 159 |
| 9. | Kuwait City | Kuwait | 155 |
| 10. | Wuhan | China | 152 |
The Air Quality Index is a standardized measurement used to assess the quality of air in a specific region. It provides a simple way to understand the level of air pollution and its potential health impacts on a given day. The AQI is used to help the public, government agencies and policymakers make informed decisions regarding air quality and take appropriate actions to protect public health.
Check This: 10 Polluted Cities in India
The AQI is divided into the following categories, each associated with specific health impacts:
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