The five most polluted cities in the world

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Osorno, Chile

The city is located in Chile at a distance of 938 from the capital Santiago. Osorno is currently at the top of the list of the most polluted cities in the world. The main cause of pollution here is the burning of firewood which is the main source of energy. Up to 96.3 percent of the population here relies on burning wood. The Ministry of the Environment in Chile has issued a statement that firewood accounts for up to 94 percent of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions. The concentration of these particles in Osorno is fourteen times higher than the limit set by the WHO for air quality.

Et Tira, Izrael

Although air quality in Israel improved between 2015 and 2022 it still significantly exceeds the World Health Organization's recommended limits. Currently the ongoing conflict in Gaza is also having a negative impact on air quality. The main reason for pollution here is attributed to industry and transport. Currently the recommended limits are exceeded thirteen times.

Ashton, Nový Zéland

The third place was occupied by the city of Ashton located on the southern island of New Zealand in the Canterbury region. Primary sources of air pollution here include industry, home heating, fires and motor vehicles. The current concentration of the PM2.5 fraction is 8.9 times above the WHO limit.

Bhagalpur, Indie

Bhagalpur ranks among the most polluted Indian cities for a long time with a quality index of 286. The main sources of pollution here are aerosols and gases from vehicle emissions, construction operations, factories and forest fires. PM2.5 concentrations exceed recommended limits twelve times.

Cuernavaca, Mexiko

The city is located near the capital city of Mexico City. The thick layers of smog here are mainly caused by the eight million cars, industry and waste burning. Thanks to the rugged mountain terrain, harmful substances are trapped here. Concentrations of PM2.5 particles here are 6.7 times higher than the limit recommended by the WHO.

Source:OIZOM/Editorial