Is the air quality good in Baghdad?
As of August 4, 2025, Baghdad, Iraq, is the most polluted major city in the world. Baghdad with PM2.5 levels in the “very unhealthy” range.
For a detailed look, see Baghdad’s air quality map.
Baghdad, Iraq ranked as the most polluted major city on August 4. Source: IQAir.
Why is there an air quality alert in Baghdad?
Air quality alerts are active in Baghdad due to extreme PM2.5 concentrations. In Baghdad, intense sandstorms, extreme heat, and emissions from oil industries and waste burning, have driven pollution to critical levels.
Hourly air quality forecast for Bagdad, Iraq on August 4. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Baghdad on August 4. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Baghdad?
In Baghdad, frequent sandstorms, worsened by desertification and climate change, contribute to high PM2.5 levels. The city’s reliance on heavy fuel oil for brick kilns, asphalt factories, and private generators, due to unreliable electricity, adds toxic pollutants.
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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.
