Dhaka's air quality remained classified as 'unhealthy' on Thursday morning, with an AQI score of 193 at 8:45 am, placing the city fifth among the world's most polluted urban areas, reports UNB.
India's Delhi, Vietnam's Hanoi and Pakistan's Lahore occupied the first three spots in the list, with AQI scores of 285, 237 and 222, respectively.
An AQI ranging from 101 to 200 is categorized as 'unhealthy', especially for sensitive groups, while an AQI between 201 and 300 is deemed 'poor', and readings between 301 and 400 are classified as 'hazardous', indicating severe health risks to residents.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants—Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
Air pollution is a leading global risk factor for death and disability, significantly increasing the likelihood of heart disease, respiratory conditions, infections, and cancer.
According to the World Health Organization, it causes an estimated seven million deaths annually, primarily due to stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
