List of the 10 Most Polluted Countries in Asia (2024)

With the advancement of technological innovations, there has been an increase of 9.5% in the industrial sector's productivity in the last year. 

This growth has led to improved efficiency in production processes and a higher output of goods and services. Additionally, it has also created new job opportunities and contributed to economic growth in the industry. 

However, this significant growth has also led to pollution and environmental concerns, as the increased industrial activity has resulted in higher levels of waste and emissions.

While several countries have earned a reputation for being highly developed or progressive, let's take a look at the top 10 most polluted countries in Asia. 

These countries face significant challenges, characterised by elevated levels of air pollution and environmental deterioration.

You Might Like| List of World's Most Polluted Cities 2024

What is AQI? How does it help to measure air quality?

AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It's a numerical scale that helps people understand how polluted the air is in their area. The higher the AQI number, the worse the air quality and the greater the health risk.

AQI is calculated based on the levels of various air pollutants, including:

• Particulate matter (PM): Tiny particles in the air that can come from various sources, such as vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions.   
• Ground-level ozone: A harmful gas formed when pollutants react with sunlight.   
• Carbon monoxide: A colourless, odourless gas produced by incomplete combustion.   
• Nitrogen dioxide: A reddish-brown gas produced by the burning of fossil fuels.   
• Sulfur dioxide: A colourless gas produced by the burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal.

The AQI is often colour-coded to make it easier to understand. For example, a very high AQI might be represented by a red or purple colour, indicating that the air is unhealthy for everyone.

• Good (0-50): Air quality is considered good, and there is little or no health risk.
• Moderate (51-100): Air quality is moderate, and there may be some health concerns for sensitive groups.
• Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150): Air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung problems.
• Unhealthy (151-200): Air quality is unhealthy for everyone.
• Very Unhealthy (201-300): Air quality is very unhealthy for everyone, and there may be serious health effects.
• Hazardous (301-500): Air quality is hazardous, and there may be immediate health effects.

List of the Most Polluted Countries in Asia

A person can go up to 21 days without food and up to 3 days without water, but they cannot endure more than a few minutes without oxygen. But what if the air you are breathing is contaminated with harmful pollutants or toxins? 

Here's the list of the top 10 most polluted countries in Asia, where air quality poses a serious health risk to residents. 

Source: AQI.in

The data shows that Bangladesh has the highest average PM2.5 concentration in Asia at 161 μg/m³ in 2023, followed by India (84 μg/m³) and Pakistan (79 μg/m³). 

Other highly polluted countries include Laos, China, Tajikistan, Nepal, North Korea, Mongolia, South Korea, Burma, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, and Thailand.

The monthly data reveals significant seasonal variations in PM2.5 levels, with the winter months (November to February) generally experiencing the highest concentrations across the region. This is likely due to factors such as increased fossil fuel burning for heating, unfavourable meteorological conditions, and agricultural burning.

1. Bangladesh

Bangladesh consistently ranks as one of the most polluted countries globally, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 161 μg/m³ in 2023. 

Major cities like Dhaka and Chittagong are particularly affected, suffering from severe air quality issues primarily due to emissions from vehicles, industrial activities, and brick kilns. 

The situation has worsened in 2024, with Dhaka recording PM2.5 levels at 80.2 μg/m³, significantly above the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5 μg/m³. 

Air pollution is linked to approximately 20% of premature deaths in Bangladesh, costing the economy around 17.6% of its GDP annually due to healthcare expenses and lost productivity. 

The predominant pollutants include fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and lead from various sources, including household emissions from solid fuel use for cooking. 

The lack of stringent environmental regulations exacerbates the crisis, necessitating urgent interventions to improve air quality and protect public health.

2. India

India ranks third globally for air pollution, with an average PM2.5 level of 84 μg/m³ in 2023. 

Cities such as New Delhi and Begusarai are among the most polluted, with New Delhi recording staggering levels of 92.7 μg/m³ in 2024. 

The primary sources of pollution include vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, and agricultural practices like crop burning. 

The situation remains dire as air quality continues to deteriorate, with many cities exceeding WHO's safe limits by over ten times. 

Air pollution in India is predominantly composed of particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which significantly impact respiratory health and reduce life expectancy by an average of 5.3 years for residents. 

Despite government efforts to combat pollution through initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme, rapid urbanisation and industrial growth continue to pose significant challenges to achieving cleaner air.

3. Pakistan

Pakistan is another country grappling with severe air pollution, ranking second in Asia with an average PM2.5 concentration of 147 μg/m³ in 2023. 

Lahore is particularly notorious for its poor air quality, recording PM2.5 levels of 99.5 μg/m³ in 2024, primarily due to industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and agricultural burning practices. 

The country's air quality crisis is compounded by a lack of effective regulations and monitoring systems to address pollution sources adequately. 

The prominent pollutants include particulate matter (PM2.5) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), which contribute to respiratory diseases and other health issues for millions of residents. 

Air pollution is estimated to reduce life expectancy by approximately 3.9 years in Pakistan, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive policies that prioritise environmental health alongside economic development.

4. Laos

Laos ranks among the most polluted countries in Asia with an average PM2.5 level of 70 μg/m³ in 2023. 

Cities like Vientiane face significant air quality challenges due to a combination of factors including vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and agricultural burning practices during dry seasons. 

The situation remains concerning in 2024 as urbanisation continues without adequate environmental regulations in place to mitigate pollution sources effectively. 

The predominant type of pollution is particulate matter (PM2.5), which poses serious health risks such as respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases among the population. 

With limited resources allocated for environmental management and public awareness initiatives regarding air quality issues, Laos faces a growing public health crisis that demands immediate attention.

5. China

China has made substantial progress in combating air pollution but still faces significant challenges, ranking fourth globally with an average PM2.5 concentration of 64 μg/m³ in 2023. 

Major cities like Beijing continue to struggle with air quality issues primarily due to industrial emissions and coal combustion for heating during the winter months. 

In 2024, Beijing's air quality remains a concern as it averages around 60 μg/m³ during peak pollution periods. 

The predominant pollutants include fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), which have serious implications for public health and environmental sustainability despite ongoing government efforts to transition towards cleaner energy sources.

Related Stories| Top 10 Cleanest Countries in the World - Check out the complete list here

6. Tajikistan

Tajikistan ranks sixth among the most polluted countries in Asia with an average PM2.5 concentration of 64 μg/m³ in 2023. 

Cities such as Dushanbe experience significant air quality deterioration due to industrial emissions, vehicle exhausts, and dust storms exacerbated by poor infrastructure and urban planning practices. 

Recent data from 2024 indicates that air quality remains a pressing issue as seasonal variations contribute to fluctuating pollution levels throughout the year.

The primary pollutants are fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and heavy metals resulting from mining activities that pose severe health risks to residents, including respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems.

7. Nepal

Nepal ranks eighth globally for air pollution with an average PM2.5 level of 55 μg/m³ in 2023, primarily affecting urban areas such as Kathmandu, where pollution levels can spike significantly during winter months due to temperature inversions trapping pollutants close to the ground. 

In 2024, Kathmandu's air quality remains a significant concern as it grapples with emissions from vehicles, construction activities, and biomass burning for cooking and heating purposes. 

The predominant type of pollution is particulate matter (PM2.5), which poses serious health risks including respiratory illnesses and reduced life expectancy among residents.

8. North Korea

North Korea ranks eighth among the most polluted countries in Asia with an average PM2.5 concentration of 53 μg/m³ in 2023, primarily affecting cities like Pyongyang, where industrial emissions contribute significantly to poor air quality levels observed throughout the year. 

In recent assessments for 2024, North Korea continues to face challenges related to outdated industrial technologies that exacerbate emissions without effective regulatory oversight or monitoring systems in place to address these issues adequately. 

The primary pollutants include fine particulate matter (PM2.5) generated from coal combustion used for heating and electricity generation during harsh winters. 

Despite these challenges, North Korea has made some progress, committing to reducing emissions by 8% by 2030 and up to 40.25% with international support in its initial NDC in 2016. 

The regime has also emphasised reforestation efforts in recent years to mitigate the impacts of climate change and air pollution.

9. Mongolia

Mongolia ranks tenth among the most polluted countries with an average PM2.5 level of around 48 μg/m³ in 2023 due largely to coal combustion for heating during winter months in cities like Ulaanbaatar, where severe air quality issues persist year-round. 

Recent 2024 data shows Ulaanbaatar maintains hazardous PM2.5 levels, averaging about 45 μg/m³ during peak pollution seasons. 

Geographic conditions exacerbate the issue as pollutants get trapped in urban areas in cold weather months, coinciding with a significant rise in coal use for residential heating. 

The WHO sets a stringent guideline for PM2.5 levels at no more than 5 microgrammes per cubic metre, yet Mongolia reported alarming figures approximately 10 times higher in 2023. 

This surge in pollution levels not only exacerbates the risk of respiratory diseases but also significantly impacts public health and the quality of life for residents.

10. South Korea

South Korea faces significant air quality challenges, ranking eleventh globally with an average PM2.5 concentration level of around 45 μg/m³ recorded in recent assessments conducted throughout various regions, including Seoul. 

High traffic volumes heavily contribute to worsening conditions, particularly during winter months when atmospheric inversions occur, trapping pollutants closer to ground level and negatively impacting public health outcomes across affected populations.

Despite these challenges, South Korea has made efforts to address air pollution, ranking significantly higher than other Asian economies in the World Bank's Doing Business ranking in 2019, at 21st place. 

This indicates a more business-friendly regulatory environment compared to countries like China and India, which ranked 32nd and 62nd, respectively. However, if air pollution persists in the region, governments may be prompted to expand existing regulations, potentially impacting the business environment.

Also Read| Swachh Survekshan 2023: List of Top 10 Cleanest City of India