In a concerning revelation, Dhaka has secured the unenviable position of having the poorest air quality globally, registering an alarming AQI score of 191 at precisely 9:09 am this Saturday. The Air Quality Index categorizes Dhaka’s air as “unhealthy,” signaling a significant environmental challenge.
Following closely in the global air quality index rankings are Lahore in Pakistan, Yangon in Myanmar, and Kathmandu in Nepal, claiming the second, third, and fourth spots, respectively, with AQI scores of 182, 180, and 178.
Understanding the implications of these scores is crucial. When the AQI for particle pollution ranges from 101 to 150, the air quality is deemed “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” The 150 to 200 range is labeled as “unhealthy,” while 201 to 300 is categorized as “very unhealthy.” A reading surpassing 301 is considered “hazardous,” posing severe health risks.
The Air Quality Index serves as a daily report on the air quality of a specific city, offering insights into potential health effects. In Bangladesh, the AQI is determined by five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka’s persistent struggle with air pollution is a well-documented issue. Typically, air quality in the city worsens during winter and sees improvement during the monsoon season.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the global impact of air pollution is staggering, claiming an estimated seven million lives annually. The primary contributors to this grim statistic include increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. Vigilant measures are imperative to address and mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution on public health.
