Dhaka’s air quality remained in the "moderate" range this morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 97 recorded at 9:00 AM. The city ranked 12th globally for the worst air quality at the time.
India’s Kolkata, Uzbekistan’s Tashkent, and Bahrain’s Manama topped the global list, with AQI scores of 154, 153, and 152, respectively.
An AQI score between 50 and 100 is considered "moderate," indicating that air quality is acceptable but sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Scores between 101 and 150 are classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups," meaning that children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or heart conditions should take precautions. Scores between 151 and 200 are categorized as "unhealthy," which can affect the general population. Between 201 and 300, the air quality is deemed "very unhealthy," posing serious health risks to everyone. An AQI of 301 or higher is considered "hazardous," posing significant health risks for all residents.
The AQI measures daily air quality by assessing levels of key pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.
Dhaka has long faced air pollution challenges, especially in the winter, with air quality improving during the monsoon season. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for an estimated seven million deaths globally each year, mainly due to strokes, heart disease, chronic respiratory conditions, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
Source: UNB
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
