Air pollution is a serious global issue that affects the health and well-being of millions of people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe air that contains high levels of pollutants. In recent years, many cities have been identified as having particularly poor air quality, with some of the worst air pollution levels being found in cities located in South Asia.

The WHO has released data on the levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in cities around the world. PM2.5 is a type of air pollutant that is particularly dangerous to human health as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular disease. According to the WHO data, the 10 cities with the highest levels of PM2.5 in the world are all located in South Asia, specifically India and Pakistan.

Gurugram, India

Ghaziabad, India

Faridabad, India

Bhiwandi, India

Noida, India

Patna, India

Lucknow, India

Agra, India

Faisalabad, Pakistan

Lahore, Pakistan

The top of the list is Gurugram, a city located in the northern Indian state of Haryana. With an average PM2.5 level of 135.8 micrograms per cubic meter, Gurugram has the highest level of air pollution of any city in the world. Other Indian cities in the top 10 include Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwandi, Noida, Patna, and Agra. Lahore, Pakistan also appears on the list, with an average PM2.5 level of 104.3 micrograms per cubic meter.

The high levels of air pollution in these cities are due to a variety of factors, including heavy industrialization, urbanization, and a growing population. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, is a major contributor to air pollution, as is the use of outdated technologies and vehicles that emit high levels of pollutants. In addition, many of these cities are located in regions with poor air quality due to environmental factors, such as dust and desertification.

Air pollution has a significant impact on human health, and the residents of these cities are at a particularly high risk of developing a variety of health problems as a result of their exposure to high levels of pollutants. The WHO estimates that 7 million people die every year due to air pollution, and many of these deaths occur in South Asia.

In conclusion, the worst air pollution cities are in South Asia, specifically in India and Pakistan. Cities like Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwandi, Noida, Patna, Lucknow, Agra, Faisalabad, and Lahore have the highest levels of PM2.5 in the world. The high levels of air pollution in these cities is a result of various factors such as heavy industrialization, urbanization, and a growing population. To combat air pollution, it is necessary to implement policies that reduce emissions from fossil fuels, encourage the use of cleaner technologies, and promote sustainable development.