In a comprehensive report published by IQ Air, a Swiss organization, Kuwait has emerged as the 11th country worldwide with the best air quality. This ranking was determined by evaluating 134 countries and regions based on their air pollution levels, particularly fine PM 2.5 particles.
Kuwait’s Air Quality Ranking
Kuwait’s position in the Arab world is also commendable, securing the fourth spot after Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. It is noteworthy that only seven countries out of the 134 included in the report met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for small airborne particles emitted by vehicles and industrial facilities.
Furthermore, Kuwait City ranks 13th among the world’s capitals with air pollution attributed to PM 2.5 particles. In the Arab region, Baghdad and Cairo have higher levels of this pollutant.
IQ Air Emphasis
IQ Air highlights that most countries fail to meet the WHO standard for PM 2.5 particles, which are microscopic soot specks smaller than the width of a human hair. While air quality has improved globally over the past century, there are still areas where pollution levels pose significant risks.
In response to previous reports suggesting that Kuwait has the worst air quality in the world, the Environment Public Authority has clarified that this is inaccurate. The authority emphasizes that Kuwait’s dust concentration levels typically align with national standards, falling within the green (good) or yellow (acceptable) categories on most days. They emphasize the importance of relying on scientific sources for air quality assessments and the relevance of national standards tailored to specific circumstances and geographic locations.
What is the current quality in Kuwait City?
According to the data from IQAir, the air in Kuwait City is currently in the “Moderate” range, with a PM2.5 concentration of 21.5 μg/m³. This puts Kuwait City’s air quality in the unhealthy range for sensitive groups, with the yearly average PM2.5 level in 2019 being 38.3 μg/m
What are the main sources of air pollution in Kuwait City?
The main sources of air pollution in Kuwait City are the extraction, use, and exportation of fossil fuels and other natural resources, as well as vehicle emissions from the large number of cars, trucks, and buses in the city. The hot desert climate and fuel subsidies also contribute to the air pollution issues.
How does IQ Air monitor and report on air quality in Kuwait?
IQ Air provides real-time, historical, and forecasted data about quality of air for various locations in Kuwait, including Kuwait City and Hawalli. IQAir relies on air quality monitoring stations and data contributors to gather this information on pollutants like PM2.5 and report the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for these areas.
What can residents do to improve quality of air in Kuwait?
While the Kuwaiti government is responsible for addressing major sources of air pollution, residents can also take steps to reduce their individual contributions, such as using public transportation, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient appliances. Monitoring air quality through apps like IQAir can also help raise awareness and drive action.
What are the health impacts of poor air quality in Kuwait?
Poor air quality in Kuwait, particularly high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), can have significant negative health impacts. Exposure to these pollutants is linked to increased risk of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and premature death. Vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are especially at risk.
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