Is the air quality good in Baghdad?
As of April 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM (Baghdad local time, GMT+3), Baghdad, Iraq, is experiencing poor air quality. The AQI is over 150, classified as "unhealthy," with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.
Residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure, keep windows closed, and use protective measures such as masks and air purifiers.
Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Baghdad’s air quality map.
While the pollution levels are currently elevated, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for Baghdad was 44.3 µg/m³, equating to an AQI of 121 (“Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”) and 8.86 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Baghdad, Iraq, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of April 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Baghdad, Iraq, as of April 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.
When will the air quality improve in Baghdad?
The hourly forecast shows that air quality in Baghdad will significantly improve by the afternoon, with AQI levels expected to drop below 100, into the “moderate” range as winds pick up and help disperse pollutants.
Hourly air quality forecast for Baghdad, Iraq, as of April 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Baghdad?
Baghdad’s poor air quality is primarily driven by a combination of natural and human related sources. Frequent dust storms from surrounding deserts and arid regions significantly elevate particulate matter, especially under low humidity and temperature inversion conditions.
Human factors also contribute heavily: vehicular emissions, industrial pollution from oil refineries and power plants, waste burning, and generator use during power shortages add to the pollutant load (1).
Seasonal air stagnation, caused by still conditions and trapped heat, amplifies pollution levels by limiting dispersion.
How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
