10 most polluted places in the world

Pollution has become an inseparable part of modern living.

With civilization progressing by leaps and bounds, pollution is taking its toll on human lives.

A recent World Health Organization report showed that environmental factors like bad water and air pollution accounted for 20 per cent of the global burden of disease.

"People have to realise there is a critical link between the environment and health," says Dr Maria Neira, director of public health and the environment for the WHO.

A recent World Health Organization study revealed Delhi as the most polluted city in the world.

The 2014 version of the Ambient Air Pollution database contains results of outdoor air pollution monitoring from almost 1600 cities in 91 countries.

The national capital has the highest concentration of PM2.5 -- particulate matters less than 2.5 microns-- form of air pollution, which is considered most serious.

This form of concentration consists of tiny particles that puts people at additional risk of respiratory diseases and other health problems, the World Health Organisation said.

The situation is so bad in Delhi that its air has PM2.5 concentrations of 153 micrograms and PM10 concentrations of 286 micrograms -- much more than the permissible limits.

Blacksmith Institute recently came up with a list of world’s 10 most polluted places.

Please click NEXT to read about world's 10 most polluted places. . .

Rank 1: Agbogbloshie

Country: Ghana

Major pollutant: Lead

Population affected: 40,000

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Rank 2: Chernobyl

Country: Ukraine

Major pollutant: Radioactive dust, including uranium, plutonium, cesium-137, strontium-90, and other metals

Population affected: 10 million

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Rank 3: Citarum River

Country: Indonesia

Major pollutant: Numerous chemicals, including lead, cadmium, chromium and pesticides

Population affected: 500,000 people directly, up to 5 million people indirectly

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Rank 4: Dzerzhinsk

Country: Russia

Major pollutant: Numerous chemicals and toxic byproducts from numerous chemical-manufacturing processes

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Rank 5: Hazaribagh

Country: Bangladesh

Major pollutant: Mainly chromium

Population affected: 160,000

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Rank 6: Kabwe

Country: Zambia

Major pollutant: Lead

Population affected: 300,000

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Rank 7: Kalimantan

Country: Indonesia

Major pollutant: Primarily mercury, cadmium

Population affected: 225,000

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Rank 8: Matanza-Riachuelo

Country: Argentina

Major pollutant: Volatile organic compounds, including toluene

Population affected: 20,000

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Rank 9: Niger River Delta

Country: Nigeria

Major pollutant: Petroleum

Population affected: There is currently disagreement among experts

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Rank 10: Norilsk

Country: Russia

Major pollutant: Copper, nickel oxide, other heavy metals

Population affected: 135,000