Most Polluted Cities in the World Top 10 City List

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.

World’s Most Polluted City

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.

Most Polluted Cities in the World Top Lists

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

What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

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

AQI Categories and Health Impacts

The AQI is divided into the following categories, each associated with specific health impacts:

  • Good (0 – 50): Air quality is satisfactory.
  • Satisfactory (51 – 100): Air quality may cause minor discomfort to sensitive individuals.
  • Moderately Polluted (101 – 200): Air quality may cause breathing discomfort for people with respiratory conditions and heart disease.
  • Poor (201 – 300): Air quality may cause breathing discomfort to sensitive individuals.
  • Very Poor (301 – 400): Air quality may lead to respiratory illness and serious health impacts.
  • Severe (401 – 500): Air quality poses a severe risk to health, affecting even healthy individuals.

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Akansha Arora

My role as a content writer specializing in current affairs at Adda247 involves meticulously researching and crafting compelling articles aimed at guiding and informing candidates preparing for National and State Level Competitive Government Exams. With a dedication to educational excellence, I strive to keep our candidates abreast of the latest developments and trends in current affairs. By providing insightful and engaging content, I aim to ensure that aspiring candidates are well-prepared and informed for their examinations.

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