In a recent assessment, Dhaka has secured the third position among cities worldwide grappling with severe air quality issues, registering an alarming AQI index of 221 at 8:53 am on Wednesday.
According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), Dhaka’s air quality was deemed very unhealthy. The first and second places on the list were claimed by Delhi in India and Accra in Ghana, with AQI scores of 241 and 226, respectively.
Understanding AQI levels is crucial – when the value falls between 101 and 150 for particle pollution, the air quality is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Beyond that, between 150 and 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 is very unhealthy, while a reading exceeding 301 is classified as hazardous, posing severe health risks.
The AQI serves as a vital indicator, reporting daily air quality to inform residents about the cleanliness or pollution levels in a specific city and the associated health risks. In Bangladesh, the AQI is determined based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka’s ongoing struggle with air pollution is evident, particularly with its air quality deteriorating during winters and showing signs of improvement during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the global severity of air pollution, estimating approximately seven million annual deaths worldwide due to increased mortality from various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
This emphasizes the urgent need for concerted efforts to address air quality concerns and mitigate the impact on public health.
