Following a spell of rain, Dhaka witnesses an improvement in its air quality, marking a significant shift in environmental conditions. The capital city now stands at 33rd place on the global list of cities with air quality concerns, with an AQI score of 86 recorded at 9:10 am on Sunday.
Categorized as “moderate,” Dhaka’s air quality index reflects a positive change, signaling relief for residents. The rankings are notably lower compared to other major cities like India’s Delhi, Thailand’s Chiang Mai, and Pakistan’s Karachi, which claim the top positions with AQI scores of 201, 179, and 171 respectively.
The AQI values serve as crucial indicators, helping individuals gauge the cleanliness of the air and potential health risks associated. Dhaka’s AQI assessment considers various pollutants including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
With Bangladesh’s air quality index derived from these factors, the country continues to address ongoing air pollution challenges. Typically, Dhaka’s air quality deteriorates during winter and sees improvement during the monsoon season.
The significance of maintaining cleaner air is underscored by global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), which estimates that air pollution contributes to millions of deaths annually worldwide. The impacts span various health conditions, ranging from respiratory illnesses to cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing the urgency of addressing air quality concerns on a global scale.
