Amidst heavy traffic and urban challenges, Dhaka emerges as the second-worst city globally in terms of air quality this morning. With an alarming AQI score of 387 at 9:30 am, Dhaka’s air quality is officially classified as ‘hazardous,’ as reported by the Air Quality Index.
On the global list, Accra in Ghana claims the top spot with an AQI of 423, while Karachi in Pakistan secures the third position with a score of 193, and Shenyang in China holds the fourth spot with an AQI of 183.
Understanding the Air Quality Index is crucial: an AQI value between 101 and 150 indicates ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ between 150 and 200 is deemed ‘unhealthy,’ between 201 and 300 is considered ‘very unhealthy,’ and a reading of 301 and above is labeled as ‘hazardous,’ posing serious health risks to residents.
The AQI serves as a vital tool for daily air quality reporting, offering insights into the cleanliness or pollution levels in a specific city and the potential health effects. In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka’s persistent struggle with air pollution is evident, with air quality typically deteriorating in winter and showing improvement during the monsoon season. This concerning situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address and mitigate air pollution in the city.
The global impact of air pollution is a pressing concern, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO), estimating seven million annual deaths worldwide due to increased mortality from various health issues linked to air pollution.
Stay tuned for updates on efforts and initiatives aimed at improving Dhaka’s air quality and safeguarding the health of its residents in the face of this environmental challenge.
