Today, Pakistan’s Lahore ranks second in air pollution, while India’s New Delhi ranks third with 218 and 183 points respectively.
This air pollution data is regularly disseminated by Switzerland-based organization IQAir. The organization provides a live or instant Air Quality Index (AQI) based on air quality, which provides information and alerts to people about the cleanliness or pollution levels in specific cities.
According to IQAir’s criteria, a score of 51 to 100 is considered ‘moderate’ or ‘acceptable’ air quality. A score of 101 to 150 is classified as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’. Additionally, a score of 151 to 200 indicates ‘unhealthy’ air quality, while a score of 201 to 300 indicates ‘very unhealthy’ air. Finally, scores of 301 and above are labeled as ‘catastrophic’ or ‘risky’ air quality.