It is widely known that breathable air is essential for human life, and only a few minutes without it can be fatal. However, a recent study by the World Health Organization found that only 10 countries and 9% of global cities met their guidelines for harmful fine-particle pollution in the past year. Many of the regions most affected by poor air quality were located in the Middle East, Africa, and Central and South Asia.
Swiss air quality technology company IQAir has released a report that highlights the five countries with the most polluted air in 2023, weighted by population. These are Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, and Burkina Faso. Unfortunately, data for sub-Saharan Africa is incomplete as only 24 out of 54 countries had sufficient information to be included in the report. On the other hand, French Polynesia, Mauritius, and Iceland were noted as having the least air pollution.
Despite these concerns about air quality worldwide, improving it is crucial for the health and well-being of all individuals. It is essential to take action to reduce pollution levels and ensure that everyone has access to clean air to live healthy lives.
