India and Pakistan cope with hazardous pollution levels

The worst air quality in the world right now is in Asia as parts of India and Pakistan cope with pollution levels that are deemed hazardous to people's health.

In Delhi, lower-grade schools were closed due to pollution. Many residents have reported irritants related to the dangerous levels.

The high levels of pollution are due to falling temperatures in the region combined with smoke, dust, and low winds.

IQAir reports that Lahore, Pakistan has the worst air quality on the planet at 669 while Delhi, India has a level of 236.

The World Health Organization says fine particulate matter can penetrate through the lungs and further enter the body through the blood stream, affecting all major organs and can lead to issues such as stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. New research has also shown an association between prenatal exposure to high levels of air pollution and developmental delay at age three, as well as psychological and behavioural problems later on.