For the second consecutive day, Dhaka has clinched the undesirable top spot for the worst air quality globally, recording an AQI score of 309 at 9:30 am on Monday. The Air Quality Index classifies Dhaka’s air as hazardous, raising significant health concerns for residents.
Following closely on the list are Pakistan’s Lahore, India’s Delhi, and Mumbai, securing the second, third, and fourth positions with AQI scores of 214, 183, and 179, respectively. As per AQI standards, when the value for particle pollution falls within the range of 101 to 150, the air quality is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Readings between 150 and 200 are labeled unhealthy, while the range of 201 to 300 is classified as very unhealthy. A reading exceeding 301 is deemed hazardous, posing severe health risks.
The Air Quality Index serves as a crucial tool for reporting daily air quality, informing residents about the cleanliness or pollution levels in their city and associated health effects. Bangladesh’s AQI is determined by assessing five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka’s persistent struggle with air pollution, particularly in winter, continues to be a major concern. Despite improvements during the monsoon, the city faces recurring challenges in maintaining healthy air quality levels.
The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the global impact of air pollution, estimating seven million annual deaths attributed to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. Dhaka’s ongoing battle with air quality issues underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address and mitigate the adverse effects on public health.
