Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has secured the unenviable second position on the global list of cities grappling with the most severe air quality issues. At 9:10 am on Tuesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Dhaka recorded a concerning score of 195.
According to the AQI standards, an index value in the range of 101 to 150 indicates unhealthy air for sensitive groups, while readings between 150 and 200 are classified as unhealthy. In comparison, Delhi, India, clinched the top spot with an alarming AQI of 273, while Lahore, Pakistan, secured the third position with a score of 189.
The AQI serves as a vital indicator, revealing the daily air quality status and potential health risks associated with pollution. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka has long grappled with air pollution, experiencing deteriorating air quality during winter and witnessing improvement during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the global severity of the issue, estimating that air pollution contributes to the premature deaths of approximately seven million people annually. The health risks encompass stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
As cities worldwide navigate these challenges, understanding AQI becomes paramount for residents to comprehend the extent of air pollution and its potential impact on public health.
