The Most Air-Polluted Countries in the World

Air pollution is a global issue that can cause serious health risks as well as environmental concerns. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce air pollution, many countries are still struggling with dangerously high levels, impacting the air quality and creating implications for public health.

In this blog, we investigate the most air-polluted countries in the world, exploring the factors that contribute to their poor air quality and looking at how you can protect yourself when you travel to one of these locations.

Using data from IQAir, below are the countries that have the highest levels of air pollution.

According to the World Health Organisation, annual average levels of PM2.5 should not be more than 5 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m³).

The top two countries – Bangladesh and Pakistan – are classed as “unhealthy” by the Air Quality Index rankings, with the rest of the countries classed as “unhealthy for sensitive groups”.

Bangladesh shows the highest levels of air pollution, at 79.9 μg/m³, 16 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value. The most polluted city in Bangladesh is Dhaka, with the cleanest city being Sreepur, although they are classed as unhealthy and unhealthy for sensitive groups respectively, according to the Air Quality Index.

There are a number of contributing factors to Bangladesh’s poor air quality. The country is experiencing rapid urbanisation, as well as complications caused by climate change.

It’s estimated that there are 8,000 brick kilns in the country, with many operating illegally. These kilns have been proven to negatively impact air quality, although the government has been working to implement “clean” brick kilns to replace them.

In addition, there is a practice in Bangladesh for burning solid waste, in an effort to minimise landfills. However, this waste often includes plastic, the burning of which emits harmful fumes into the air. A high use of old vehicles, large construction works, and the burning of fossil fuels are further contributing to the poor air quality across the country.

Pakistan has the second-highest level of air pollution, at 73.7 μg/m³, 14.7 times the WHO guideline. Abbottabad is the cleanest city in Pakistan, with an Air Quality Index of 97, and Lahore is the most polluted, with an Air Quality Index of 182. Lahore is actually the 5^th most polluted city in the world, using IQ Air’s historic data, and the second most polluted city in July 2024, according to live data.

The contributing factors to Pakistan’s poor air quality are similar to those of Bangladesh. The country is experiencing rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, which sees increased emissions from factories, power plants, and old, inefficient vehicles.

There is also a practice of burning plant waste in rural areas to prepare the fields for the next crop, which further affects air pollution. In Lahore specifically, but also in rural areas, many green spaces and agricultural land have been covered with buildings, in an effort to house the growing population.

India has the third-highest air pollution in the world, at 54.4 μg/m³, 10.9 times the WHO guideline. The cleanest city in India is Silchar, scoring 53 on the Air Quality Index, and Begusarai is the most polluted, with an Air Quality Index score of 195.

India has 9 out of the top 10 most polluted cities when looking at annual averages, with Begusarai, Guwahati, Delhi and Mullanpur ranking in the top four.

It’s estimated that around 50% of pollution in India is caused by industrial pollution, 27% by vehicles, 17% by burning crops and 5% by other sources. Increased industrialisation is again linked to poor air quality in cities, whereas burning biomass for warmth and cooking contributes to air pollution in rural areas.

If you’re travelling or moving to a country with poor air quality, there are a few steps you can take to protect your health.

If you’re travelling to a country with high levels of air pollution, check the air quality before you travel. Often, the air quality can be affected by environmental factors such as the weather, so there may be an optimum time to travel when the air quality will be improved.

Wearing a mask that is at least N95 can help to filter out the majority of the air particles. If you’re travelling, you should ensure you have enough to cover your trip. If you’ll be abroad long-term, you could find masks that are reusable, with filters that can be changed.

You should ensure your mask fits properly to get the most benefit, with minimal gaps around the edges. Most masks will only be effective for a specific period of time, so check the instructions for your mask and make sure to change it out when required.

Air pollution can have a negative impact on your skin as well as your lungs. Particles can settle on your skin and cause problems such as eczema and dermatitis. When you go outside, make sure to wear SPF to help act as a barrier to the pollution. When you come in for the day, it can be beneficial to take a shower to rinse the skin from any lingering pollution.

When you’re abroad, you should monitor the air quality every day. For times when the pollution is very bad, you should aim to stay inside where possible. If you have to go outside, try to use public transport rather than walking or cycling and avoid areas where the pollution will be worse, such as near roads and construction sites.

Should you feel unwell, contact a doctor or suitable health professional, they will be able to advise on the best ways to recover, and if need be, offer medication. This can sometimes come at a cost so it is advisable to secure outpatient care for expats that covers GP and outpatient costs, our team can help advise what may be best for the country you are living in.

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