5 Most Polluted Cities

1. Kanpur, India

The city of Kanpur in northern India has an annual PM2.5 level of 173 micrograms per cubic meter, far higher than the WHO’s recommendation of no more than 10 mcg per cubic meter.

2. Faridabad, India

The largest and most populous city in the state of Haryana, Faridabad borders India’s capital New Delhi. Heavy traffic is just one factor that contributes to its annual average of 172 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5.

3. Varanasi, India

Home to the Ganges river, Varanasi is India’s spiritual home. Hindu pilgrims bathe in the river, but there is increasing concern that the air quality in the holy city has reached a crisis point. The city recorded 151 micrograms per cubic meter of the most dangerous particles.

4. Gaya, India

Another holy city with a myriad of both Hindu and Buddhist temples. Gaya notched 149 micrograms per cubic meter.

5. Patna, India

A sprawling ancient city on the banks of the Ganges, Patna is noisy and congested city and is used as a transport hub. It recorded 144 micrograms of PM 2.5.