Current Kuala Lumpur City Air Quality
Kuala Lumpur PM2.5 air quality averaged 15.24 micrograms in 2021. This means Kuala Lumpur PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the WHO annual limits of 5 micrograms by over 3 times. On the most polluted day, air quality exceeded the recommended limit by over 6 times.
Current Air Quality in Kuala Lumpur City.
89% Of Days in Kuala Lumpur More Polluted Than WHO Target
During the year 2021, 89% of days exceeded the WHO annual limit, with 11% of days falling within the safe limit.
The most polluted day in 2021 was Tuesday, 2 March, where PM2.5 concentrations were as high as 32.1 micrograms, exceededing the recommended limit by over 6 times.
Kuala Lumpur PM2.5 Concentrations: 2022 – Year to Date
So far in 2021, Kuala Lumpur’s PM2.5 concentrations have averaged 15.62 micrograms. That’s 2% higher than the previous year.
Historical Air Quality Readings for Kuala Lumpur City
Is Kuala Lumpur City Air Quality Improving?
In the last four years, data shows little improvement in Kuala Lumpur City air quality. Although 2020 saw a near 12% improvement from 2019, 2021 levels worsened from 2020 levels. Kuala Lumpur City’s annual level of air pollution consistently hovers around the WHO recommended limit.
Sunday is the Most Polluted Day of the Week in Kuala Lumpur
Sundays are the most polluted day of the week in Kuala Lumpur. PM2.5 levels on an average Sunday reach 14.5 micrograms. That’s 8% higher than the least polluted day – Monday. On Monday, PM2.5 air pollution averages 13.4 micrograms.
On average, Sundays see PM2.5 pollution that’s a little under 3 times the WHO limit. For Mondays – the least polluted day – PM2.5 air pollution is a little under 3 times.
Why Is the Air Quality Bad Today in Kuala Lumpur?
Weather plays a big role in how the air quality is in Kuala Lumpur each day. The amount of sun can affect how much ozone there is, and wind and rain can affect PM2.5 and particulate air pollution to varying degrees.
Air pollution levels can change quickly, with levels often varying widely throughout the day. Data shows there even appears to be times of the day where air pollution tends to be lower compared to other times.
Below shows how PM2.5 air quality levels around the world tend to vary throughout the day. PM2.5 levels have a tendency to be slightly lower in the afternoon compared to other times of the day. But this is a general trend, Kuala Lumpur City PM2.5 AQI levels will not follow this trend every day.
Kuala Lumpur City Air Pollution: The Negative Health Effects
This analysis of Kuala Lumpur City’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.
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 Kuala Lumpur From Air Pollution
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