Most Polluted Countries in the World: Air pollution is a serious problem in many places around the world. Some countries have such bad air that it becomes dangerous to breathe. This is mostly because of dust, smoke from cars and factories, and burning wood or waste. Tiny harmful particles in the air, called PM2.5, can get into people’s lungs and cause sickness. The countries below have the highest levels of these harmful particles and are ranked among the most polluted.
What Is PM2.5 and Why Is It Dangerous?
PM2.5 refers to tiny particles in the air that are even smaller than dust and are invisible to the naked eye. Despite being so small, these particles can travel deep into your lungs and even enter your bloodstream. This makes them very harmful to your health. Exposure to PM2.5 can cause breathing problems like asthma, increase the risk of heart disease, and in severe cases, lead to early death. Children, elderly people, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to these dangers. These particles come from sources like car exhaust, factories, fires, and dust storms, making air pollution a serious concern in many parts of the world.
5 Most Polluted Countries in the World
- Chad
Chad is the most polluted country in the world, according to the IQAir 2022 report. The air quality is very poor due to strong dust storms, car smoke, and the burning of wood for cooking and heating. People often cook with firewood or charcoal inside their homes, which fills the air with smoke and makes it very unhealthy, especially for women and children. The capital city, N’Djamena, is often covered in dust from the desert, making the air even worse.
- Iraq
Iraq has seen a big rise in air pollution in recent years. The country faces frequent dust storms and heavy traffic, especially in cities like Baghdad. Smoke from burning oil, known as gas flaring, also adds to the problem. Pollution has increased a lot due to damaged buildings, growing industries, and lack of proper control. The air is getting dirtier every year, making it hard for people to breathe safely.
- Pakistan
Pakistan’s air quality changes from year to year, but it remains among the worst in the world. Big cities like Lahore and Karachi have very bad air, filled with smoke from cars, factories, and burning crops. Pollution from farming and construction also adds to the problem. Many people in Pakistan blame the government for not doing enough, while some say smoke from nearby countries adds to the smog. Efforts are being made, but pollution remains a big issue.
- Bahrain
Bahrain is another country with very bad air pollution. The PM2.5 levels have gone up again, mainly due to smoke from cars, factories, and dust storms. The capital, Manama, often looks cloudy and dirty because of the thick smog. The oil and gas industries, which are very important to Bahrain’s economy, are also a major cause of air pollution. Although some improvements were made in past years, the air has become worse again.
- Bangladesh
Bangladesh was once the most polluted country in the world, and although its air has slightly improved, it still ranks among the top five. The biggest problem comes from brick factories, which make billions of bricks every year using old, smoky methods. Cities like Dhaka continue to suffer from very dirty air. Traffic, factory smoke, and waste burning all add to the problem. The government is trying to fix it, but more needs to be done to protect people’s health.
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