In a recent report, Dhaka emerges as the frontrunner among cities worldwide for the worst air quality, scoring a staggering 190 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 9:02 am this Friday morning. Classified as “unhealthy,” this alarming revelation sheds light on the pressing issue of air pollution in the Bangladeshi capital.
Following closely behind, Pakistan’s Lahore, Senegal’s Dakar, Kazakhstan’s Astana, and India’s Delhi secured spots two through five on the list, with AQI scores of 183, 171, 169, and 169, respectively.
With an AQI range of 151 to 200 indicating “unhealthy” conditions, it underscores the critical health hazards residents face. This index serves as a vital tool for assessing daily air quality and its associated health risks.
The AQI computation in Bangladesh considers five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka, known for grappling with air pollution concerns, experiences a worsening of air quality during winter, though it sees some improvement during the monsoon season.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution claims an estimated seven million lives annually worldwide, primarily due to increased mortality from various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This stark reality emphasizes the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat air pollution and safeguard public health.
