In the latest rankings, Dhaka has secured the third position globally for having some of the most severe air pollution levels, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 197 recorded at 9 am on Tuesday.
Today marks the second consecutive day of unhealthy air conditions in Dhaka, as reported by the Air Quality Index.
Leading the list are Delhi in India, Lahore in Pakistan, and Kathmandu in Nepal, claiming the top three spots with AQI scores of 265, 264, and 193, respectively.
When the AQI falls within the range of 101 to 150 for particle pollution, it signifies unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups. Between 150 and 200, the air quality is deemed unhealthy, while readings above 200 indicate very unhealthy conditions. An AQI exceeding 301 is considered hazardous, posing severe health risks to residents.
The AQI serves as a crucial indicator for assessing daily air quality, providing insights into potential health impacts associated with pollution levels.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is determined based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka has long grappled with air pollution, typically worsening during winter and improving with the onset of the monsoon season.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution contributes to an estimated seven million deaths worldwide annually, primarily linked to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and lung cancer.
