A recent IQAir report reveals that 19 of the 20 most polluted cities are in Asia, mainly in India, which faces severe air quality issues with PM2.5 levels significantly exceeding WHO guidelines. Despite improvements in China, air pollution remains a major health concern in India and its neighbors, and effective monitoring is lacking in many regions. The U.S. shows reduced pollution levels due to strong regulatory systems, emphasizing the need for more governmental action globally.
According to a new report by IQAir, a Swiss air quality tracking company, 19 out of the top 20 most polluted cities in the world are located in Asia, with India accounting for 13 of these cities. The only city outside Asia is N’Djamena, Chad. This situation is driven by rapid urbanization and high levels of coal consumption in India, creating significant health risks due to air pollution.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary pollutant of concern, originating from various sources such as fossil fuel combustion and dust storms. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that PM2.5 levels should not exceed an annual average of 5 micrograms per cubic meter. However, Byrnihat, a town in India, recorded alarming PM2.5 levels of 128.2, over 25 times the WHO guideline, eliciting concern from residents about their deteriorating air quality.
New Delhi, which has ranked as the world’s most polluted capital for six consecutive years, recorded a PM2.5 concentration of 91.8. The situation in India remains severe as the report suggests that air pollution has significant health implications, reducing life expectancy by approximately 5.2 years. Nevertheless, India has dropped from third to fifth place in terms of population pollution.
Neighboring countries Bangladesh and Pakistan also rank high, coming in second and third for global pollution levels. China, once a heavyweight in global pollution rankings, has noted some improvements, with a slight decrease in PM2.5 concentrations as it has implemented measures to combat air pollution.
Despite the overall improvements in some regions, air quality monitoring remains a critical challenge, particularly in Southeast Asia. A significant number of cities lack sufficient monitoring stations. The recent decision by the United States to discontinue sharing air quality data from its embassies adds to the concern regarding awareness and policy-making.
While the report indicates that only 17% of cities globally meet WHO air quality guidelines, in North America, cities like Ontario and Huntington Park in California face the worst pollution levels. The U.S. has seen a reduction in PM2.5 levels, attributed to robust air quality monitoring systems that help guide public health policies.
The report urges governments to enhance funding for renewable energy projects and impose stricter emission limits. Local residents like Suman Momin advocate for immediate action to address pollution in their cities, emphasizing the need for government commitment to reduce health risks and improve air quality.
In summary, the latest IQAir report highlights the dire state of air quality in many Asian cities, with India being particularly affected. Despite some progress in countries like China, pollution remains a grave health threat globally. Continuous advocacy for improved air quality monitoring and stricter regulations is essential to combat this pressing issue. Our findings indicate that greater governmental commitment is needed to address air pollution and protect the health of populations worldwide.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
