By definition, pollution is the introduction of toxic substances into a natural environment, bringing about adverse effects. Admittedly, pollution affects all countries in the world, but its impact level differs from one region to another. Speaking of air pollution, it’s caused by certain gases, solid and liquid particles, which are suspended in the air. These particles come from the burning of fossil fuels in factories, car & truck exhausts, dust, volcanoes, and wildfires. There are different levels of dangerous particulates, however, the most harmful of them is called PM2.5. It contains very tiny particles, capable of penetrating into the bloodstream through the lungs. According to the Air Quality Rankings by AQICN, Mexico is the first on the list of top 10 countries with the worst air pollution, with an index of 391. In case you’re interested in the full list, you can check below.
Here’s The List Of Top 10 Countries With The Worst Air Pollution Index
1- Mexico (AQI of 380)
Mexico sits on the first position on the list of top 10 countries with the worst air pollution. That’s because the country currently has an air quality index (AQI) of 380. According to the US-EPA 2016 standard, the index shows that the air pollution level in the country is high and hazardous. Furthermore, it also shows that everyone may experience more serious health effects. Centro, Aguilas, and Oblates, in Jalisco, are the three most polluted cities in the country, with each having an AQI index of 896.
2- United States (AQI of 376)
Next on the list of top 10 countries with the worst air pollution is the United States. The country currently has an air quality index of 376, which is hazardous according to the US-EPA 2016 standard. To avoid PM2.5, it’s advisable for people to limit the prolonged outdoor exertion. Furthermore, Susanville is the city with the worst air pollution in the country, with an AQI of 494.
3- India (AQI of 232)
With an air quality index of 232, India sits on the third position on the list of top 10 countries with the worst air pollution. Although the air pollution level isn’t hazardous, it’s considered very unhealthily, according to the US-EPA standard. Currently, Mumbai is the city with the worst air pollution in the country, having an AQI of 890, which is hazardous to human health.
4- Tajikistan (AQI of 174)
Tajikistan has an air quality index of 174, making it sit on the fourth position on this list. As for its air pollution level, US-EPA considers it to be unhealthy for people. Furthermore, Dushanbe is currently the city with the worst air pollution in the country, with an index of 174.
5- Bahrain (AQI of 157)
Bahrain sits on the fifth position on the list of top 10 countries with the worst air pollution. That’s because the country currently has an air quality index of 157, considered as unhealthy. Furthermore, it’s advisable that people with respiratory diseases like asthma should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion. In the country, Manama has the worst air pollution, with an AQI index of 157.
6- Uganda (AQI of 152)
With an air quality index of 152, Uganda occupies the sixth position on the list of top 10 countries with the worst air pollution. This is also unhealthy for people, in terms of the air pollution level. In Uganda, Fort Portal is currently the city with the worst air pollution, having an AQI of 159. Also, Kireka also has almost the same quality index as that of Fort Portal.
7- China (AQI of 150)
At the time of writing, China sits on the seventh position on the list of top 10 countries with the worst air pollution. That’s because of the country’s air quality index of 150, considered as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’. Currently, chuān huì qū huánbǎo jú, in Zhoukou, with an AQI of 202, is the city with the worst air pollution in the country. The next city is Hóngqiáo, which has an air quality index of 192.
8- Iran (AQI of 138)
With an air quality index of 138, Iran sits on the eighth position on the list of top 10 countries with the worst air pollution. According to the US-EPA standard, the air pollution level in the country is “unhealthy for sensitive groups”. Furthermore, in the country, Salamat in Tehran is the city with the worst air pollution, having an AQI of 242. Apart from that, Pishva also has a high air quality index of 181.
9- Kuwait (AQI of 137)
Kuwait currently occupies the ninth position on the list of top 10 countries with the worst air pollution. The country has an air quality index of 137, which is unhealthy for sensitive people. Furthermore, Kuwait City has the worst air pollution in the country, with an AQI index of 159.
10- Israel (AQI of 134)
With an air quality index of 134, Israel sits on the last position on this list. According to the US-EPA standard, the country’s air pollution level is classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups of people. Furthermore, Ra’anana is currently the city with the worst air pollution in the country. The next city is Tel Aviv, with an air quality index of 149.
