The map below ranks the most polluted cities in the world based on PM2.5 fine particulate matter concentrations in 2022, according to data from IQAir’s World Air Quality Report…
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly the entire global population (99%) is breathing air that exceeds the organization’s air quality guidelines.
One of the standard indicators used by WHO to assess air quality is the concentration of fine particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns, known as PM2.5. This is one of the most harmful pollutants to human health because it can damage major organs when inhaled.
Based on the average PM2.5 concentration data for 2022 (μg/m3), Lahore, Pakistan ranks as the most polluted city in the world with a concentration of 97.4 μg/m3. Following closely are two cities in India, Bhiwadi and Delhi, with concentrations of 92.7 μg/m3 and 90.3 μg/m3, respectively.
Notably, India has 14 cities in the top 20 most polluted cities in the world for 2022. China is represented by Hohhot, located in the Xinjiang region.
