Dhaka, the densely populated capital city of Bangladesh, ranked second on the list of cities with the worst air quality, with an AQI score of 156 at 9:35 am this morning (Tuesday).
Today’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy,’ indicating a severe health threat, according to the AQI index.
The air quality had remained ‘moderate’ for the past few days but suddenly turned unhealthy, reports UNB.
When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, the air quality is considered ‘moderate’—sensitive individuals are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. When it is between 101 and 150, the air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’; between 151 and 200, it is classified as ‘unhealthy’; between 201 and 300, it is deemed ‘very unhealthy’; and a reading above 301 is considered ‘hazardous,’ posing serious health risks to residents.
Pakistan’s Lahore, India’s Delhi, and Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh occupied the first, third, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 183, 156, and 152 respectively.
The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air in a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality typically turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon season.
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
