The air pollution crisis continues in Lahore, Pakistan, Delhi, India, and Beijing, China, with these cities consistently topping the list of the world’s most polluted locations. On Saturday, November 9, Lahore recorded the highest air quality index (AQI) score of 659, followed by Delhi with 292 and Beijing with 206. Hanoi, Vietnam, ranked fourth with a score of 183, while Kampala, Uganda, took the fifth spot at 179.
On Friday morning, Lahore led the list with an alarming AQI score of 738, with Delhi at 376 and Beijing at 200. An AQI score between 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 is moderate, and 101 to 150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Scores between 151 and 200 are deemed “unhealthy,” while 201 to 300 are “very unhealthy,” warranting caution for children, the elderly, and those with health conditions. An AQI above 300 is labeled “hazardous,” posing severe health risks.
AQI measurements are based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃).
