Kampala PM2.5 air quality averaged 50.4 micrograms in 2022. This means Kampala PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the WHO annual limit of 5.0 micrograms by over 10 times. On the most polluted day, Kampala air quality exceeded the recommended limit by over 27 times.
Current Air Quality in Kampala
Air Quality Map
Live Kampala, Uganda AQI air quality map updated hourly.
How is the Air Quality in Kampala, Uganda?
92% of Days in Kampala More Polluted Than WHO Target
During 2022, 92% of days exceeded the WHO annual limit. 8% of days fell within the safe limit of 5 micrograms. That means outdoor air in Kampala was considered safe for just 1 in 12 days during 2022.
The most polluted day in 2022 was 17 Mar 2022, where PM2.5 concentrations were as high as 135.20833333333334 micrograms. On this day, PM2.5 pollution exceeded the recommended limit by over 27 times.
Kampala PM2.5 Concentrations: 2023 – Year to Date
So far in 2023, Kampala’s PM2.5 concentrations have averaged 58.8 micrograms. That’s 17% higher than the previous year.
Is Kampala Air Quality Improving?
Historical air quality (AQI) data for Kampala over the past 4 years (2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022) shows that air quality has slightly improved, however PM2.5 concentrations are still over 10 times the World Health Organization recommended limit, meaning Kampala air is having negative health impacts on those who live there.
Saturday is the Most Polluted Day of the Week in Kampala
Saturdays are the most polluted day of the week in Kampala. PM2.5 levels on an average Saturday reach 57.6 micrograms. That’s 6% higher than the least polluted day – Sunday. On Sunday, PM2.5 air pollution averages 54.2 micrograms.
On average, Saturdays see PM2.5 pollution that’s a little under 12 times the WHO limit. For Sundays – the least polluted day – PM2.5 air pollution is a little under 11 times.
Why Is Kampala Air Quality Bad Today?
Weather plays a big role in how Kampala air quality is each day. Heat and sunlight help create ozone. That’s why ozone pollution is higher during the day and during hotter months. Studies show rain can reduce PM2.5 air pollution a little, but strong winds usually reduce PM2.5 much more.
Research has found that PM2.5 around the world follows a daily pattern. Of course, any particular day can be an exception. However, across continents, PM2.5 pollution tends to be worse from 8pm to 2am, with another bad spike around morning rush hour. PM2.5 is the lowest around 4pm, when air tends to mix higher in the atmosphere.
Kampala Air Pollution: The Negative Health Effects
This analysis of Kampala’s air quality is based on PM2.5 pollution. These are particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
Many people know that air pollution causes lung cancer and asthma. But fewer people know that air pollution kills far more people through our hearts and blood vessels.
Studies have shown that PM2.5 raises blood pressure, inflammation, and rates of heart attacks and strokes.
WATCH: Why Is PM2.5 So Harmful to Us?
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Protect Your Health in Kampala From Air Pollution
Despite the harms of PM2.5 air pollution, studies of air purifiers have found that removing particulate in the home lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and improves immune response.
Smart Air provides the world’s most cost-effective, data-backed air purifiers to help air-breathers protect themselves and their family. Smart Air is a certified B Corp founded to share the simple science behind air purifiers and masks, thereby lowering the cost of breathing clean air.
Data Sources: US Embassy (U.S. Department of State – Uganda)
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