Korina Marion Montenid
Everyone deserves to breathe clean air. Unfortunately, many cities in the world do not have access to this basic commodity.
IQAir, a company that specializes in air quality technology, has list of the most polluted cities in the world. IQAir partnered with the United Nations Environment Program to address air pollution by releasing timely and accurate air quality data. If countries realize how polluted their cities are, they will be pushed to implement laws to improve air quality.
We’ll highlight the most polluted cities in the world, focusing on those with the highest PM2.5 concentrations. Interestingly, 15 of these cities are from the same country.
1. Begusarai, India
Begusarai tops the list as the city with the worst air quality, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 118.9 µg/m³ — 23 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended levels.
Begusarai currently has an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 94, which indicates the presence of harmful particles in the air. Individuals with pre-existing health and respiratory conditions are strongly advised to stay indoors. Using masks and air purifiers can help mitigate the effects of air pollution in the area.
2. Guwahati, India
Guwahati, one of the most popular metropolitan areas, is the biggest city in Assam, India. It is currently the 2nd most polluted city with an average PM2.5 concentration of 105.4 µg/m³.
Guwahati’s 72 AQI is considered moderate. However, people are still discouraged from going outside for long periods. To stay protected in Guwahati, keep windows closed to minimize the pollutants entering people’s homes.
3. Delhi, India
One of India’s business and trade centers, Delhi, ranks 3rd on the list. This agro-industrial city has an average PM2.5 concentration of 102.1 µg/m³, 14 times higher than the WHO’s suggested limit.
Delhi’s current AQI is 163, which is considered “unhealthy.” With these statistics, engaging in outdoor activities is not a good idea. Instead, stay inside, wear masks, and use air purifiers if possible.
4. Mullanpur, India
Mullanpur Dakha is a city in Ludhiana, North India. Mullanpur’s economy relies heavily on farming and agriculture. Mullanpur’s average PM2.5 concentration is at 100.4 µg/m³, exceeding the WHO’s limit by 16.8 times.
With an unhealthy AQI of 171, it’s not ideal to take a walk here. These levels are harmful to people with respiratory conditions. In 2023, a report stated stubble burning and vehicular emissions caused the poor air quality.
5. Lahore, Pakistan
Lahore, the capital of Punjab, recorded the worst air pollution in Pakistan. Its average PM2.5 concentration is 99.5 µg/m³. Currently, Lahore’s AQI stands at 151, which indicates a high level of pollution that makes outdoor air “unhealthy.” Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and wear masks if they must go outside.
Known for its textile industry, Lahore also plays a significant role in rubber, iron, and steel manufacturing. These factories and vehicle emissions are two of the top causes of air pollution.
6. New Delhi, India
India’s capital, New Delhi, is a center for business and trade. Being 6th on this list means New Delhi is the most polluted capital in the world. PM2.5 level in the city is 92.7 µg/m³ on average. This exceeds the recommended limit of 5 µg/m³ by 18 times.
As a business district, New Delhi is a busy city. Vehicular emissions and industrial wastes are the greatest contributors to air pollution. The current AQI in the city is 160. This is an unhealthy level of air pollution, so people are urged to stay inside and use masks.
7. Siwan, India
Siwan is a city in Bengal, India. It has an average PM2.5 concentration of 90.6 µg/m³. The current AQI in the city is 97, which is moderate. People who may be sensitive to dust are advised to halt any plans of going outdoors.
In 2022, Siwan was listed as the most polluted city in India. Experts said weather conditions and flooding increased the amount of particulate matter in the air. These particles are usually from vehicles, farming activities, and industrial companies, the driving forces of Siwan’s economy.
8. Saharsa, India
Saharsa is a small district in Bihar, India. It is the largest manufacturer of bricks in the Kosi region. The average PM2.5 concentration in Saharsa is 89.4 µg/m³, which exceeds the recommended limit by more than 17 times.
The current AQI in Saharsa is 87, quite moderate, but still not ideal for outdoor activities. To prevent exposure to harmful particles, people should wear masks and keep windows closed.
9. Goshaingaon, India
Goshaingaon (or Gossaigaon) is a city in Assam, India. The average PM2.5 concentration in this city is 89.3 µg/m³. The land here is mostly used for organic farming.
In 2023, Goshaingaon recorded the highest concentration of PM2.5 in January with 205.3 µg/m³. The lowest was in July 2023 with 27.3 µg/m³. No real-time AQI is available for Goshaingaon.
10. Katihar, India
Katihar is an agricultural territory in India’s Bihar state. Some major crops cultivated in this city are rice, wheat, banana, and corn. Two of the most predominant industries here are the jute mills and the textile factories.
Its PM2.5 concentration is 88.8 µg/m³ on average. The AQI in Katihar, 88, is moderate but is still harmful to those with respiratory illnesses. People with air purifiers at home should use them.
11. Greater Noida, India
Greater Noida is one of the fastest developing cities in India. It was designed as a business hub to help decongest India’s capital, New Delhi. Its average PM2.5 concentration is 88.6 µg/m³, more than 17 times higher than the standard set by the WHO.
The current AQI in the city is 154, which is categorized as “unhealthy.” In January 2023, Greater Noida was named the most polluted city due to dust particles trapped by fog. This incident was compounded by a surge in car traffic because of an auto event.
12. Faisalabad, Pakistan
Faisalabad, the third most populous city in Pakistan, transitioned from an agricultural center to a major industrial hub in Punjab. Being 12th on the list, it recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 88.2 µg/m³.
Currently, Faisalabad has an unhealthy AQI of 154, so it’s unwise to stay outdoors for too long. The city’s pollution stems largely from vehicles and factories using unclean fuels, typical of an agro-industrial district.
13. Hotan, China
Hotan is the city with the highest air pollution levels in China, with a population of approximately 114,000. On average, the PM2.5 concentration in the city is 87.3 µg/m³. The current AQI of 99, shows moderate levels of air pollution. However, pollutants are still present and harmful to anyone that gets exposed.
One of the major causes of pollution in the Hotan is dust storms. Located near the Taklamakan Desert, Hotan is prone to sandstorms that carry dust particles into the city. Moreover, Hotan hosts many industries and experiences traffic from vehicles that enter and leave the area, which further contributes to its pollution levels.
14. Bettiah, India
Bettiah is a city in Northeastern India and is the headquarters of West Champaran District. There are leather and metalware factories running in this city that likely contribute to the poor air quality.
Bettiah recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 85.7 µg/m³. The current AQI is 165, one of the highest on the list. With these numbers, people are strongly urged to avoid exposure as high levels of pollutants can have adverse health effects.
15. Samastipur, India
Samastipur is an agricultural territory in India. It’s beside Begusarai, the city with the worst air quality in IQAir’s most recent survey. Samastipur itself records an average PM2.5 concentration of 85.3 µg/m³ and indicates moderate air pollution levels with an AQI of 53.
The Samastipur region has vast agricultural lands which produce crops such as jute, tobacco, corn, and rice. Additionally, Samastipur is renowned for its sugar production, hosting several operational sugar mills in the city.
16. Muzaffarnagar, India
Muzaffarnagar, also known as the “Sugar Bowl of India,” is located in the Uttar Pradesh district. Known for its sugarcane production, the city also hosts industries like paper and steel manufacturing. It shares borders with New Delhi and Saharanpur.
The average PM2.5 concentration in Muzaffarnagar is 85 µg/m³. Due to an unhealthy AQI of 141, individuals with pre-existing health conditions are urged to wear masks and limit outdoor activities for their safety.
17. Gurugram, India
Gurugram, located in Northern India, is renowned as a hub for IT, call centers, and various industrial sectors. The city records an average PM2.5 concentration of 84 µg/m³.
Currently, Gurugram has an AQI of 160, which signals a high level of pollution. Residents are strongly advised to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed to minimize pollutant entry.
In 2018, Gurugram held the title of the most polluted city in the world. Experts said this was due to vehicular emissions, dust stirred up by construction, and particulates from nearby cities.
18. Arrah, India
Arrah (or Ara) is a city in Northeastern India, located in Bihar State. It ranks as the 15th most polluted city in India, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 83.6 µg/m³.
The current AQI for Arrah is 84, which is considered moderate. Residents are advised to wear masks and limit outdoor activities as a precautionary measure.
19 Most Polluted Cities in the US That You Should Avoid
It’s great fun to exercise and hang out in outdoor settings like parks and hiking trails, but being in a natural environment presents many factors beyond our control. Have you ever wondered if you’re breathing fresh air or if there are tiny pollutants you don’t see?
Several cities in the U.S. face concerning levels of air pollution. Here are the most polluted cities in America that you should avoid.
19 Most Polluted Cities in Europe To Stay Away From
Have you ever thought about the most polluted cities in Europe? Well, they truly exist, and their air quality might surprise you.
If you want to visit Europe, you may want to avoid these polluted cities for your perfect and healthy travel adventure.
Korina is a licensed English and Journalism teacher. After leaving the academe, she decided to pursue what she loved most – writing. Travel, health and wellness, spirituality, lifestyle, and science and technology are some of the niches she is passionate about. When not working on freelance tasks, she spends her time deciphering the magical journey of being an introvert mom to an extrovert child.