As 2023 drew to a close, Dhaka emerged as the city with the most deteriorated air quality globally, registering an AQI (Air Quality Index) score of 248 at 8:50 am.
The city’s atmospheric conditions were labeled “very unhealthy,” presenting significant health hazards to its inhabitants, as delineated by the air quality index standards.
Trailing behind Dhaka, India’s Delhi, China’s Shanghai, and Bosnia Herzegovina’s Sarajevo secured the subsequent positions with AQI metrics of 243, 235, and 227, respectively.
The AQI serves as a pivotal metric, categorizing air quality based on particle pollution levels. For instance, AQI values ranging from 201 to 300 are characterized as ‘very unhealthy’, while readings exceeding 301 are deemed ‘hazardous’, signifying grave health implications.
This index, pivotal for gauging daily air quality, elucidates the potential health repercussions associated with specific pollution levels, incorporating factors such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Historically, Dhaka confronts recurrent air pollution challenges, notably exacerbated during winter months yet marginally alleviating during the monsoon season. Highlighting the global ramifications, the World Health Organization (WHO) underscores that annually, air pollution contributes to approximately seven million fatalities, predominantly attributable to ailments such as stroke, heart disease, and various respiratory conditions.
