Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 258 on Friday morning, making it the second most polluted city in the world at 10:58 am. The air quality was categorized as “very unhealthy,” a trend that has persisted over the past few days, according to the AQI.
Lahore in Pakistan topped the list with an AQI score of 271, while Delhi in India and Kathmandu in Nepal ranked third and fourth with scores of 219 and 188, respectively.
Air quality classifications range from ‘moderate’ (AQI 50–100), where sensitive individuals may need to limit outdoor activities, to ‘hazardous’ (AQI 301+), which poses severe health risks to all residents. The “very unhealthy” category, where Dhaka currently falls, applies to AQI readings between 201 and 300, indicating significant health concerns for everyone.
The AQI measures pollution levels using five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. It also provides insight into potential health risks from polluted air.
Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, particularly during the winter months when air quality typically worsens. Conditions tend to improve during the monsoon season.
Globally, air pollution is a serious concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it causes an estimated seven million deaths annually, largely due to stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and acute infections.
(Source: UNB)
BD-Pratidin English/Mazdud
