Iraq ranked sixth worldwide in terms of worst air quality, according to a new report from IQAir that measured the quality of air in thousands of cities globally.
The study examined fine particulate matter, PM2.5, the most dangerous pollutant. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) standard says PM2.5 levels should not rise above 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
Iraq’s PM2.5 level was 43.8, far above the WHO standard. Baghdad’s standard in 2023 was 45.8, while its rate in 2022 was much higher at 86.7. The Iraqi capital ranked 195 out of 7,812 cities measured worldwide.
Erbil’s PM2.5 level in 2023 was 30.4, with a ranking of 592 among the thousands of cities covered globally.
The country with the worst air quality was Bangladesh, with a PM2.5 level of 79.9, 16 times above WHO guidelines. After Bangladesh comes Pakistan, (73.7), India (54.4), Tajikistan (49), and Burkina Faso (46.6).
After Iraq’s place at number six are the United Arab Emirates (43), Nepal (42.4), Egypt (42.4), DR Congo (40.8), Kuwait (39.9), Bahrain (39.2), Qatar (37.6), Indonesia (37.1), and Rwanda (36.8).
All but one of the 100 cities with the worst air pollution in 2023 were in Asia, with 83 in India.
Iraq ranked sixth worldwide in terms of worst air quality, according to a new report from IQAir that measured the quality of air in thousands of cities globally.
The study examined fine particulate matter, PM2.5, the most dangerous pollutant. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) standard says PM2.5 levels should not rise above 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
Iraq’s PM2.5 level was 43.8, far above the WHO standard. Baghdad’s standard in 2023 was 45.8, while its rate in 2022 was much higher at 86.7. The Iraqi capital ranked 195 out of 7,812 cities measured worldwide.
Erbil’s PM2.5 level in 2023 was 30.4, with a ranking of 592 among the thousands of cities covered globally.
The country with the worst air quality was Bangladesh, with a PM2.5 level of 79.9, 16 times above WHO guidelines. After Bangladesh comes Pakistan, (73.7), India (54.4), Tajikistan (49), and Burkina Faso (46.6).
After Iraq’s place at number six are the United Arab Emirates (43), Nepal (42.4), Egypt (42.4), DR Congo (40.8), Kuwait (39.9), Bahrain (39.2), Qatar (37.6), Indonesia (37.1), and Rwanda (36.8).
All but one of the 100 cities with the worst air pollution in 2023 were in Asia, with 83 in India.
