Air pollution levels place Uzbekistan in Top 20 globally

Throughout the past year, Uzbekistan recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 31.4 µg/m³, securing the 19th spot on the list of regions with the most polluted air. This data comes from the 2024 International Air Quality Report by the AQAir portal.

Chad in Africa ranked first in terms of air pollution, with PM2.5 levels at 91.8 µg/m³. Bangladesh and Pakistan followed in second and third places, with PM2.5 concentrations of 78.0 µg/m³ and 73.7 µg/m³, respectively. Uzbekistan’s PM2.5 concentration of 31.4 µg/m³ places it at the 19th position in this global ranking.

Among Central Asian countries, Tajikistan ranks 6th (46.3 µg/m³), Turkmenistan 26th (26.5 µg/m³), Kyrgyzstan 41st (21.1 µg/m³), and Kazakhstan 71st (15.1 µg/m³).

Globally, only 12 countries recorded PM2.5 levels below the annual guideline limit of 5 µg/m³, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). These nations are primarily located in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania.

Regions like Africa, Central Asia, and South Asia are recognized as having some of the world’s most polluted air. Despite progress in increasing air monitoring equipment in Africa, consistent data collection remains a challenge. Similarly, Western Asian nations face a growing need for advanced monitoring technology, with significant data gaps in Afghanistan, Iran, and Oman.

The report analyzed PM2.5 concentrations in 8,954 cities and regions across 138 countries. Unlike the previous year, the 2024 index added 10 new nations and territories to its rankings. The data was compiled from over 40,000 permanent air monitoring stations and cost-effective sensors, using the WHO’s annual PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³ as a benchmark. Real-time online monitoring from the IQAir platform contributed to the findings.

According to the report, 99% of the global population resides in areas that do not meet WHO-recommended air quality standards. Air pollution ranks as the second leading cause of mortality worldwide and the second-highest risk factor for deaths among children under five. In 2021 alone, air pollution caused 8.1 million deaths, with PM2.5 particles contributing to 58% of these cases. The United Nations has declared clean air a universal human right.

Research indicates that elevated PM2.5 levels can lead to asthma, cancer, heart attacks, and lung diseases. Furthermore, exposure to high PM2.5 concentrations may result in complications during pregnancy and contribute to early childhood conditions such as heart issues, eczema, allergic reactions, mental disorders, and psychological challenges.

For context, Uzbekistan ranked 23rd in the same air quality index in 2023.