In a concerning revelation, Dhaka has claimed the unenviable title of the city with the world’s worst air quality, registering an alarming AQI score of 394 at 9 am on a Sunday morning. The air quality index categorizes Dhaka’s air as “hazardous,” posing severe health risks for its residents.
Following closely on the list, India’s Delhi, Mumbai, and Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek secured the second, third, and fourth positions, with AQI scores of 237, 233, and 192, respectively. The AQI values provide critical insights into the level of pollution, with readings above 301 considered “hazardous,” indicating a grave health threat.
As per the air quality index standards, when the AQI value for particle pollution falls within the range of 101 to 150, it is deemed “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” while readings between 150 and 200 are labeled “unhealthy.” The range of 201 to 300 is classified as “very unhealthy,” warranting serious health concerns.
The AQI in Bangladesh is calculated based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka’s persistent struggle with air pollution, especially during winter, highlights the urgency for effective measures to combat this issue.
Despite seasonal fluctuations, the gravity of Dhaka’s air quality concerns is underscored by its frequent classification as “unhealthy.” This alarming situation demands immediate attention and collaborative efforts to address the root causes of air pollution in the city.
It is crucial to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies air pollution as a global threat, causing an estimated seven million deaths annually. The associated health risks include increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. Addressing and mitigating air quality issues are imperative to safeguard the well-being of Dhaka’s residents and combat the global impact of air pollution.
