There are many things that can impact the air we breathe. Whether you live in a city or a rural area, there are many factors that will either positively or negatively impact your ability to breathe clean air. There are various cities across the world where the pollution is so bad, it poses a threat to those who call it home. In some cities, the poor quality of the air is caused by natural phenomena such as wildfires or volcanic gases. In others, it’s the result of human activities like car exhaust, industrial emissions, and construction dust. Here are 7 cities with the worst air pollution.
Beijing, China
Beijing, China has earned the dubious title of “City of Smog”. The air pollution in Beijing has been deemed so problematic that it has been ranked among the 10 most polluted cities in the world. The Chinese government has taken steps to address the pollution problem in Beijing, but air pollution remains a huge issue. The source of Beijing’s pollution is primarily from the burning of coal for electricity and indoor heating. Beijing also has poor air quality due to the surrounding cities. As the region continues to experience economic growth, traffic in the city has also increased significantly. Visibility in Beijing is often reduced to less than 50 yards, making it difficult for people to navigate their way around the city.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh, is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. It’s not because of natural disasters or crime; it’s because of air pollution. In fact, Dhaka has been ranked as the most polluted city in the world. Dhaka’s air pollution is caused by a variety of factors, including an increase in the number of vehicles, dust from construction sites, burning of coal, and fly ash from power plants. The pollution in Dhaka is so severe that it has been given the nickname “Grey Dacca”. The air pollution in Dhaka is so severe, that it has been ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world.
Delhi, India
Delhi, India, is one of the most polluted cities in the world. In the past, it has been ranked as high as the 7th most polluted city in the world. The city’s pollution woes aren’t new. In fact, they have been a problem for decades, due to a variety of factors, including an increase in the number of vehicles on the road, construction dust, and the burning of agricultural waste. This year, Delhi’s pollution levels have reached record numbers. On November 7, 2018, a thick blanket of smog enveloped the city, causing people to remain indoors due to poor visibility. The smog was so severe that it has been reported that people could only see about 200 meters in front of them.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico, is one of the most polluted cities in the world. In fact, it has been ranked as high as the 5th most polluted city in the world. Much of Mexico City’s pollution is caused by the surrounding desert, which acts as a natural trap for the pollution. The city has also grown more populous, leading to more pollution. Due to the high levels of pollution in Mexico City, the city has been deemed the most dangerous city in the world. It’s estimated that more than 1,000 people die each day due to pollution-related illnesses.
Mumbai, India
Mumbai, India, has a pollution problem that has been deemed “alarming” by the World Health Organization (WHO). The pollution in Mumbai has been deemed so problematic that it has been ranked as the 10th most polluted city in the world. The pollution in Mumbai has been caused by a variety of factors, including the surrounding industrial areas, vehicles, construction dust, and the burning of agricultural waste. Because of the high levels of pollution, the people of Mumbai are at risk for developing a number of different illnesses, including asthma, lung cancer, and stroke.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand, has earned the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most polluted cities in Asia. While Chiang Mai has ranked as high as the 12th most polluted city in the world, it has also been listed as the 2nd most polluted city in Asia. The pollution in Chiang Mai is caused by a number of factors, including the surrounding agricultural areas and natural fires. Because the pollution levels in Chiang Mai are so high, people are at risk of developing a number of different illnesses, including asthma, lung cancer, and stroke.
Kolkata, India
Kolkata, India, has reached dangerous levels of pollution, earning a spot among the most polluted cities in the world. The pollution in Kolkata has been caused by a number of factors, including the surrounding industrial areas, vehicles, and the burning of agricultural waste.
Conclusion
Overall, the air pollution in many of these cities is at a dangerous level. That is why it’s so important for people to be aware of the pollution levels in the city they live in and take steps to protect themselves such as running air purifiers at home and using N95 masks when outside. In addition to making lifestyle changes, it’s important to find out the pollution levels in your city. You can do this by visiting the Air Quality Index (AQI) website.
