Pollution is one of the most dangerous issues plaguing the world today. Water pollution causes a decline of safe drinking water. Air pollution leads to health risks and damages the ecosystem. Noise pollution causes harm to the environment and frightens animals, and soil pollution can lead to water contamination which can eventually cause serious health hazards.

African cities are some of the dirtiest cities in the world. "In Africa, 115 people die every hour from diseases linked to poor sanitation, poor hygiene and contaminated water (Water Without Borders)."

Water is essential for life, but when you are living in a city with poor water quality you are risking the chance for a water-borne disease. Some of these diseases include Adenovirus infection and Legionellosis.

Poor air quality is a problem among almost all of the dirtiest cities in the world. According to livestrong.com, "Polluted air is linked to a variety of health concerns, ranging from short-term irritation to serious diseases or even death. Much of the pollution affecting our air comes from human activities. It is a result of manufacturing, transportation and a dependence on fossil fuels like gas and coal. Exposure to pollutants like smog, sulfates, nitrates and carbon can have a significant impact on both human health and the health of the earth."

Choose your destination wisely and be careful when visiting the 15 dirtiest cities in the world.

Port Harcourt, Nigeria

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According to The National, "Nigeria's Port Harcourt international airport was recently voted the worst in the world." They explain the staff is unhelpful; there is a lack of seating, broken air conditioning and a tent for an arrivals hall. Compared to the entire city, the airport is nothing. The people living in Port Harcourt are at a serious health risk because waste disposal is contaminating Nigeria's rivers.

Luanda, Angola

Luanda, Angola is known as one of the world's most expensive cities, but you would never know that if you went there. Most of the residents in Luanda drink dangerous water. According to Irin News, "Angola is recovering from a cholera outbreak that began last year, when it notched up the world's highest fatality rate from the disease: 2,722 deaths, most of them in Luanda. This year, 16,320 cases have been reported in 16 of the country's 18 provinces, with most fatalities (77) occurring in the capital."

Lome, Togo

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Lome, Togo is located in West Africa; they have been undergoing a serious sanitation and health risk. Many residents are suffering from water-borne infectious diseases because they are living without access to clean water, and the water they are drinking is coming from polluted areas. Ongoing issues with waste management has also been contributing to serious health hazards.

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