Dhaka ranked sixth on the list of cities with the worst air quality, recording an AQI score of 171 at 8:29 am on February 18. Today’s air quality was classified as “unhealthy,” indicating a health threat, according to the AQI index.
The city has been experiencing dangerously high air pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching hazardous levels. An AQI between 50-100 is 'moderate', 101-150 'unhealthy' for sensitive groups, 151-200 'unhealthy' for all, 201-300 'very unhealthy', and above 301 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
Cities like Lahore (Pakistan), Cairo (Egypt), and Yangon (Myanmar) occupied the first, second, and third spots with AQI scores of 290, 217, and 192 respectively.
The AQI measures pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone, and informs residents about the potential health risks associated with the pollution level in their area.
Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, especially during the winter months when the air quality worsens, though it tends to improve during the monsoon season.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for an estimated seven million deaths worldwide each year, primarily due to stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
