10 of the World’s Most Polluted Countries

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some of the latest global air quality statistics revealed that more than 80% of people living in urban areas that monitor air quality are exposed to levels that exceed WHO recommendations. These levels are calculated by counting particulate matter (PM), or particulates, which are microscopic solids or liquids that cannot be seen by the naked eye. These tiny inhalable particles are then divided into categories, two major ones being PM 10 and PM 2.5 – the first being coarse particulates that have a diameter between 2.5 and 10 micrometres (μm), and the second being fine particulates with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less – these are common in smoke, soot and dust.

The size of these particles is a major factor when it comes to determining how dangerous they are when inhaled. The larger matter can be filtered upon entering the nose and mouth by mucus and cilia, but particles smaller than 10 micrometres can pose a much more serious threat. How? Well, they can evade these biological barriers, and settle in the deepest parts of the lungs, which can lead to serious health issues.

As well as being linked to obvious conditions such as asthma, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease, these particulates can also have a detrimental effect on fertility, pregnancy and lifespan. Unsurprisingly, PM levels are dangerously high in areas that are highly polluted, and many countries across the globe still have a very long way to go when it comes to battling emissions. Both the World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency have both issues recommended PM limits, but some of the most polluted cities are 20 times that. Here are ten of the most polluted places on earth according to WHO – you might be surprised by some of them.

10

NIGERIA

Kaduna

Annual Mean: 90 μg/m3 of PM 2.5

Warning Type: Severe

Located in north-western Nigeria, Kaduna is both a trade centre and transportation hub that has witnessed rapid urbanisation over the last ten tears – something that can lead to an array of problems, including inadequate infrastructure, congestion, poverty and of course, pollution.

Year: 2013

9

QATAR

Doha

Annual Mean: 93 μg/m3 of PM 2.5

Warning Type: Severe

Qatar is known to many as a hub for building and construction, which is likely to be a key reason behind the country’s serious air pollution problem.

Year: 2012

8

UGANDA

Kampala

Annual Mean: 104 μg/m3 of PM 2.5

Warning Type: Severe

While Uganda is renowned for its abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes, it is also home to something much uglier. According to researchers, vehicle emissions are responsible for the majority of the pollution in Uganda.

Year: 2013

7

BANGLADESH

Narayanganj

Annual Mean: 106 μg/m3 of PM 2.5

Warning Type: Severe

A 2014 report conducted by the World Health Organization found that Bangladesh was extremely polluted, with the South Asian country home to high levels of gaseous pollutants, as well as dust particles. The city of Narayanganj is also home to a busy brick manufacturing industry, which speaks for itself.

Year: 2014

6

PAKISTAN

Peshawar

Annual Mean: 111 μg/m3 of PM 2.5

Warning Type: Severe

Towards the end of last year, Peshawar in Pakistan was displaying critical air pollution levels – and it wasn’t down to one factor. Vehicle emissions, construction, dust, poor-quality roadworks and fumes from burning waste are all to blame for the country’s polluted air.

Year: 2010

5

CHINA

Xingtai

Annual Mean: 128 μg/m3 of PM 2.5

Warning Type: Severe

Xingtai is renowned for its coal – more specifically, its coal-burning factories. The city is heavily polluted due to its huge industrial presence.

Year: 2014

4

CAMEROON

Bamenda

Annual Mean: 132 μg/m3 of PM 2.5

Warning Type: Severe

A combination of rapid urbanization and soil erosion is most likely to blame for the poor air quality in Cameroon, Africa.

Year: 2012

3

SAUDI ARABIA

Riyadh

Annual Mean: 156 μg/m3 of PM 2.5

Warning Type: Severe

Riyadh isn’t just Saudi Arabia’s largest city – it’s also its most polluted. Previous WHO reports have declared sandstorms, traffic and industrial waste as the culprits behind the majority of the pollutants in Saudi’s air.

Year: 2014

2

INDIA

City: Gwalior

Annual Mean: 176 μg/m3 of PM 2.5

Warning Type: Severe

Just under 200 miles away from a previous winner of the “Most Polluted City” competition, Delhi, lies a major Indian city known as Gwalior. While pollution from vehicles is a factor to take into consideration, the emissions don’t stop there. An increased use of fossil fuels is another reason for the dangerously unhealthy air, and buildings that aren’t energy efficient could also be to blame.

Year: 2012

1

IRAN

City: Zabol

Annual Mean: 217 μg/m3 of PM 2.5

Warning Type: Severe

Earlier this year, a study published in the Preventive Medicine journal declared that 30 minutes of cycling in the heavily polluted city of Zabol, Iran, would do the individual more harm than good. Named by the World Health Organization as the most polluted city on earth in 2016, Zabol is renowned in the region for its 120-day wind – a relentless summer dust storm that sweeps the area from north to south.

Year: 2012

The data featured in this article was taken from the World Health Organization’s 2016 ‘Ambient (outdoor) air pollution database, by country and city’ spreadsheet.

Sources:

https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/shorthand/cleaner_vehicles/?source=vanityurl

http://uk.businessinsider.com/the-cities-with-the-worlds-worst-air-pollution-who-2016-5/#5-al-jubail-saudi-arabia-152-gm3-of-pm-25-11

http://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/databases/cities/en/

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5 Ways to Reduce Indoor Allergens Instantly

Allergies are the medical equivalent of unexpected guests who don’t wait for an invitation, and tend to outstay their welcome. Stubborn, unforgiving and ultimately quite draining, allergies (and certain people) can have a negative impact on your life.

Indoor allergens are often responsible for many sufferers’ symptoms. You don’t have to skip through a field of flowers or work in a dusty environment to be affected by allergens, because actually, many of them are already in your home, making themselves comfortable and unlikely to leave any time soon. Remind you of anyone?

Now, we can’t do much about that neighbour who’s trying just a little too hard to be your friend, but we can do something about the other relentless presence in your home. Here, we round up five simple ways you can keep your house as allergen-free as possible.

Remove visible mold

If you’ve noticed patches of mold creeping up your basement or bathroom walls, it’s definitely time to do something about it. Mold and other fungi grow in moist, humid environments, and can be responsible for year-round allergy symptoms – so be assertive when it comes to removing dampness.

Swap your carpets

If you’re not a fan of square slates, don’t worry. You can swap your carpets for hardwood flooring in this instance. Allergens become attached to the fine fibres and are difficult to remove, while dust mites inhabit cosy, comfortable areas like carpets, curtains and other upholstery around your home.

Wash bedding frequently

Washing your bedding in hot water, and using high heat to dry it, will also help when it comes to battling it out with allergens inside the home. The high temperatures will ensure that any pesky particles will detach themselves from the material, and you can sleep easy at night. Try to clean your bed sheets and pillowcases at least once a week.

Keep pets separate

Rather than saying goodbye to your beloved companions for good, why not try keeping them restricted to a specific area or room in the house? If your dog or cat has been outside, they’re likely to return to the house with particles on their fur. Avoid having animals in your bedroom, and keep them as clean as possible.

Invest in technology

By opting for an indoor air cleaner, such as a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) device, you’re instantly improving the quality of air in your home. Additionally, you can purchase an air quality tracker that not only detects the particles in your home, but identifies them as well. Sensio AIR is set to hit shelves next year – find out more about the innovative device here.

Sources

http://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/dust-mite-allergies.aspx

http://www.aafa.org/page/dust-mite-allergy.aspx

Image courtesy of Peter Raimann / Pixabay

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7 Do's and Don'ts for Anyone with Asthma

Asthma is truly debilitating at times, and we know exactly how much the respiratory condition can affect your everyday life. While some things might seem obvious when it comes to minimizing the effects asthma can have on you, some aren’t as clear.

Here, we round up seven do's and don’ts to remember when it comes to managing your condition and preventing your symptoms.

Don’t smoke

An obvious one, smoking is harmful in all situations, regardless of whether you suffer from asthma or not. However, if you do have respiratory issues, you should avoid smoke wherever possible. Whether this means kicking the habit or simply preventing people from smoking in your home or car, be sure to take the necessary steps to avoid cigarette smoke.

Do keep your home clean

Regular maintenance at home will prevent a build-up of dust, dirt and pet dander – all of which contribute to unwanted symptoms of asthma. Change your sheets regularly to avoid a dust mite invasion, and vacuum frequently (especially if you share your home with a cat or dog).

Don’t stop exercising

If you’re into fitness, try not to let your asthma get in the way of your exercise routine. If you’re new to the gym scene, don’t let it put you off trying something new. Working out is beneficial for many reasons, and it’s better to discuss your concerns with your doctor rather than quit exercising altogether.

Do prepare your own food

In order to manage your diet effectively, try to prepare your own food when and wherever possible. This will allow you to keep on top of your meals, as many pre-packaged food items contain preservatives and chemicals that could trigger an asthma attack. This also applies to those who suffer from allergies.

Don’t put off visiting your GP

This is important. If you have asthma, it’s crucial to have regular check-ups with your doctor. Don’t wait until you’re feeling extremely unwell to pick up the phone and call your GP – visit them regularly to ensure you’re doing all you can to keep your condition under control.

Do try yoga

Yoga is undeniably effective when it comes to managing stress – one of the key triggers of asthma. Practicing deep breathing and meditation techniques will aid you when it comes to controlling your stress levels, and these soothing exercises will mean you react to stressful situations in a calmer, more rational way.

Don’t forget your inhaler

Try to pack a spare inhaler in your bag, briefcase or carry-on so you’re prepared wherever you are. It might seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget – so always have one on hand to avoid panicking should you have an asthma attack away from home.

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Image courtesy of Freestocks.org, Unsplash