Air pollution levels in cities vary greatly around the world, though they are typically higher in developing regions. In 2024, the cities of Jakarta and Cairo had an average PM2.5 concentrations of 41.7 and 39.9 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) respectively. By comparison, PM2.5 levels in London and New York were less than eight μg/m³. Nevertheless, pollution levels in these four major cities are all higher than the World Health Organization's healthy limit, which are set at an annual average of less than five μg/m³. There are many sources of air pollution, such as energy production, transportation, and agricultural activities.
Average PM2.5 concentrations in selected major cities worldwide in 2024
(in micrograms per cubic meter of air)
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IQAir. (March 11, 2025). Average PM2.5 concentrations in selected major cities worldwide in 2024 (in micrograms per cubic meter of air) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved June 07, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1383851/air-pollution-in-major-cities-worldwide/
IQAir. "Average PM2.5 concentrations in selected major cities worldwide in 2024 (in micrograms per cubic meter of air)." Chart. March 11, 2025. Statista. Accessed June 07, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1383851/air-pollution-in-major-cities-worldwide/
IQAir. (2025). Average PM2.5 concentrations in selected major cities worldwide in 2024 (in micrograms per cubic meter of air). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: June 07, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1383851/air-pollution-in-major-cities-worldwide/
IQAir. "Average Pm2.5 Concentrations in Selected Major Cities Worldwide in 2024 (in Micrograms per Cubic Meter of Air)." Statista, Statista Inc., 11 Mar 2025, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1383851/air-pollution-in-major-cities-worldwide/
IQAir, Average PM2.5 concentrations in selected major cities worldwide in 2024 (in micrograms per cubic meter of air) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1383851/air-pollution-in-major-cities-worldwide/ (last visited June 07, 2025)
Average PM2.5 concentrations in selected major cities worldwide in 2024 (in micrograms per cubic meter of air) [Graph], IQAir, March 11, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1383851/air-pollution-in-major-cities-worldwide/
