A recent IQAir study indicates that 19 out of the 20 most polluted cities are in Asia, primarily in India. The report highlights the serious health risks posed by PM2.5, with Byrnihat recording alarming pollution levels. While India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan rank among the worst globally, China shows slight improvement. The lack of data and monitoring in many regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, raises concerns about public awareness and policy measures.
The recent report by IQAir has revealed that all but one of the twenty most polluted cities in the world last year were located in Asia. Thirteen of these cities are situated in India, which experiences severe air pollution driven by coal-dependent economic growth and extensive traffic congestion. Furthermore, the list includes four cities from Pakistan, along with one each from China and Kazakhstan, while N’Djamena in Chad, the only non-Asian city, topped as the worst in Africa for air pollution.
The IQAir analysis focused on PM2.5, a hazardous pollutant that originates from various sources, including fossil fuel combustion and wildfires. Due to its diminutive size, PM2.5 can penetrate the respiratory system, leading to serious health issues such as respiratory diseases, chronic kidney ailments, and even cancer. The World Health Organization stipulates that PM2.5 concentration levels should not exceed five micrograms per cubic meter; however, Byrnihat, India recorded an alarming 128.2 micrograms, significantly higher than this standard.
In India, New Delhi has been identified as the most polluted capital for the sixth consecutive year, with a PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 micrograms. The situation escalated last November when a thick layer of smog enveloped the city, prompting officials to declare a medical emergency. Despite a slight improvement in India’s ranking from third to fifth among the most polluted countries, air pollution continues to severely impact public health, estimating a reduction in life expectancy by 5.2 years.
Pakistan and Bangladesh followed India as the second and third most polluted countries globally by PM2.5 concentrations. Conversely, China has shown a moderate improvement in air quality, noted by a decrease in annual PM2.5 levels from 32.5 to 31 micrograms. This improvement can be attributed to China’s intensified efforts against air pollution, although recent plans to expand coal power generation pose a concern for future air quality.
The report also highlighted the alarming issue of inadequate data on air pollution, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia, where monitoring initiatives are limited. Two countries, Iran and Afghanistan, were notably absent from the report due to data unavailability. The reduction in U.S. air quality data sharing also raises concerns, as quality monitoring is crucial for ensuring public awareness and driving policy changes.
In North America, cities in California ranked among the worst for air pollution, specifically Ontario, Bloomington, and Huntington Park. Despite these challenges, the United States saw a significant 22% decrease in PM2.5 levels last year, attributed to comprehensive air quality monitoring systems across the country.
In conclusion, the IQAir report emphasizes the pressing issue of air pollution, particularly in Asian cities where environmental and health dangers are pronounced. The findings reveal insufficient government-led monitoring and action in affected regions, calling for enhanced commitment to air quality improvement through funding, policy adjustments, and community engagement. As illustrated by the experiences of individuals like Suman Momin from Byrnihat, urgent measures are needed to mitigate air pollution and safeguard public health.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
