Loni, India, has been identified as the city with the world's worst air quality in 2024, according to IQAir's report, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching 112.5 µg/m³—22 times the World Health Organization's safe limit.
Record-Breaking Pollution Levels
- Average PM2.5 concentration in Loni: 112.5 µg/m³.
- This is 22 times higher than WHO guidelines.
- Top 5 most polluted cities in 2025 (from IQAir):
- Loni, India
- Hotan, China
- Byrnihat, India
- Delhi, India
- Faisalbad, Pakistan
- Three of the top five are in India.
Severe Health Consequences
- PM2.5 penetrates deep into lungs and bloodstream, linked to asthma, heart and lung disease, cancer, and cognitive impairment in children.
- Dr. Anil Singh, a local clinic doctor, reports increased respiratory issues, especially early asthma in children.
- Residents like Manoj Kumar and Mohammad Mohmin Khan describe breathing difficulties and constant mask use.
- Khushi Feroze notes her son's allergies and coughs due to pollution.
Sources of Pollution
- Industrial emissions from factories.
- Vehicle exhaust, including e-rickshaws and traffic.
- Dust from construction and broken roads.
- Crop residue burning in surrounding areas.
- Temperature inversion during winter traps pollutants near the ground.