Air pollution has reached catastrophic levels at high elevations worldwide, with Nepal being the worst affected country. The country’s location between China and India makes it a natural ‘pollution sink’, concentrating industrial and urban air pollution from its neighbors.
Nepal‘s location between China and India means it gets the worst of both worlds, in terms of air pollution. The country is surrounded by some of the most polluted regions on the planet, making it a natural ‘pollution sink‘ that concentrates industrial and urban air pollution from its neighbors.
According to data from Yale University‘s Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI), compiled by the University of Chicago, the following 10 countries have the worst air quality in the world:
Air pollution is a significant environmental issue, responsible for millions of premature deaths worldwide each year.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9 out of every 10 people breathe polluted air.
The main contributors to air pollution are fossil fuel combustion, industrial activities, and vehicle emissions.
Air pollutants can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and even 'cancer'.
In urban areas, particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations often exceed safe limits, while ozone (O3) levels pose a threat to human health.
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Nepal: With an EPI rating of 6.1 and a PM 2.5 level of 39.18, ‘Nepal has the unfortunate distinction of having the worst air pollution levels in the world.’
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Pakistan: Coming in second place is ‘Pakistan’ , with an EPI rating of 6.3 and a PM 2.5 level of 38.9. The country’s dense urban centers and evolving industry and agricultural sectors contribute to its poor air quality.
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Bangladesh: With an EPI rating of 6.3 and a PM 2.5 level of 54.17, ‘Bangladesh ranks third on the list’ . Its densely populated cities, rapid industrialization, and lax environmental standards have made it one of the most polluted countries in the world.
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India: ‘India’s struggle with air pollution has become emblematic of its development challenges.’ With an EPI rating of 6.8 and a PM 2.5 level of 41.39, India ranks fourth on the list.
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Democratic Republic of the Congo: The DRC has the fifth-worst air quality in the world, with an EPI rating of 8.1 and a PM 2.5 level of 34.20. Chronic armed conflict and poor health outcomes have hindered efforts to improve air quality.
The most common measure of air quality is PM 2.5, which refers to the concentration in the air of particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. There are many agencies and organizations that compile air quality data, including ‘the World Health Organization (WHO)’, the World Bank, and various academic institutions.
PM 2.5, also known as fine particulate matter, refers to tiny particles in the air with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less.
These particles can come from various sources, including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and natural events like wildfires.
PM 2.5 is a major concern for public health due to its ability to penetrate deep into lungs, causing respiratory problems and other cardiovascular issues.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), long-term exposure to PM 2.5 can increase mortality rates by up to 15%.
Air pollution is a major threat to public health, with fine particle pollution, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone, and nitrogen dioxide all taking a toll on human health. The consequences of breathing bad air can be severe, ranging from high blood pressure to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to depression.
While the challenge is huge, there are many resources available to attack the problem of air pollution. Better monitoring, simple regulations on old vehicles and outdated industrial technology, and adequate investment in public transportation, cleaner building materials, and practices can all make a significant difference.
- howstuffworks.com | The Worst Air Quality in the World Is in Mountainous Terrain
