Dhaka, Bangladesh, experienced concerning air quality on Tuesday morning, ranking eighth globally for the worst air quality with an AQI score of 150 at 9 am. The Air Quality Index (AQI) classified Dhaka’s air as unhealthy.
Leading the list were Lahore, Pakistan; Delhi, India; and Chiang Mai, Thailand, with AQI scores of 245, 194, and 188, respectively.
According to AQI standards, air quality between 101 and 150 is deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups, while readings above 150 are considered unhealthy overall. The AQI serves as a vital indicator for residents, informing them of potential health risks associated with air pollution.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on measurements of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone levels.
Dhaka’s struggle with air pollution is longstanding, typically worsening during winter and improving during the monsoon season.
Globally, air pollution remains a severe health concern, contributing to an estimated seven million deaths annually, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Major health risks include stroke, heart disease, respiratory diseases, and lung cancer.
