Photo caption: Air conditions in Yangon at around 7 a.m. on March 27.

Yangon ranks among world’s most polluted cities on March 27 Morning

· Eleven Media Group Co., Ltd

Yangon city’s air quality ranked second worst in the world on the morning of March 27, according to data released by IQAir.

In the early morning hours, Yangon recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 175, placing it in the “red” category, which indicates unhealthy air conditions. Residents reported poor visibility, initially mistaking the pollution for fog.

“I thought it was fog this morning. I couldn’t see clearly ahead. Only after checking online did I realize the air quality was bad,” said a local resident.

By midday, Yangon’s global ranking improved slightly to third place, according to IQAir. Around 1 p.m., the city’s ranking further dropped to 11th worldwide. However, air quality remained unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Air pollution occurs when harmful substances such as smoke, gases, dust particles, haze, odors, and water vapor accumulate in the atmosphere beyond safe levels, leading to a decline in air quality.

According to AQI standards: 0–50 indicates good air quality, 51–100 is moderate, 101–150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 is unhealthy, 201–300 is very unhealthy. Above 300 is hazardous to health.

Yangon has experienced similar “red level” air quality conditions in recent months, including January and February.

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