Dhaka was ranked the third most polluted city in the world this morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 168 at 9:10 AM. The air was categorized as “unhealthy,” reflecting conditions that pose potential health risks to the general population, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
According to the global air quality and pollution city ranking, Baghdad topped the list with an AQI of 202, followed by Delhi with a score of 193. Hanoi came in fourth with a reading of 129. An AQI between 151 and 200 is considered unhealthy, while readings from 201 to 300 are classified as very unhealthy, and scores between 301 and 400 are deemed hazardous, presenting severe health dangers.
The AQI is a standardized index used to communicate daily air pollution levels and the potential health effects associated with them. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on concentrations of five major pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃).
Dhaka has been facing severe air pollution challenges for many years. The city’s air quality typically deteriorates during the dry winter months due to increased dust, vehicular emissions, and industrial activity. However, conditions often improve during the monsoon season, when rainfall helps clear particulate matter from the atmosphere.
Source: UNB
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
