In the first month of 2025, severe air pollution has affected South Asian countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, India and Bangladesh – notably spreading cancer-inducing particulate matter known as PM2.5.
Air pollution remained severe in many areas of South Asia and Southeast Asia during January, notably fine particulate matter called PM2.5.
PM2.5 consists of fine particulate matter, 2.5 microns (µm) or less in diameter, which when inhaled can enter the bloodstream and are linked to asthma, heart disease, lung disease and cancer.
Agriculture residue burning, waste burning, industrial and transport emissions were among the main sources of pollution in the region.
Large cities such as Islamabad, New Delhi and Dhaka reached unhealthy levels of PM2.5 repeatedly over the month.
