Dhaka reclaimed its dubious distinction of having the world’s most polluted air on Thursday morning, registering an alarming AQI score of 280 at 9 am, posing severe health hazards to its inhabitants.
According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), Dhaka’s atmospheric conditions were categorized as ‘very unhealthy,’ heightening concerns over respiratory and other health-related issues among residents. The city’s deteriorating air quality surpassed major urban centers like Lahore, Delhi, and Kolkata, which trailed with AQI scores of 234, 224, and 190, respectively.
The AQI framework classifies air quality based on pollutant levels, with values between 101 and 150 denoting ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ 151-200 as ‘unhealthy,’ 201-300 as ‘very unhealthy,’ and readings exceeding 301 considered ‘hazardous.’ Dhaka’s current AQI underscores the pressing need for immediate remedial measures to mitigate escalating health risks linked to poor air quality.
The AQI, a vital tool for assessing daily air quality, evaluates five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone, providing invaluable insights into potential health implications for the populace.
Despite seasonal fluctuations, Dhaka’s persistent air pollution challenges remain a major public health concern, exacerbating during winter months and marginally improving during monsoon seasons. The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the gravity of the situation, estimating that air pollution contributes to approximately seven million premature deaths annually globally, primarily attributed to respiratory ailments and cardiovascular complications, necessitating urgent interventions to safeguard public health.
