In the bustling city of Dhaka, Bangladesh, the air quality index (AQI) reached 124 at 9 am on Friday, marking it as the 11th city worldwide with poor air quality.
This morning’s air quality fell under the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category, indicating potential health risks for vulnerable populations.
According to AQI standards, readings between 101 and 150 denote air quality as unhealthy for sensitive groups, while values above 150 are deemed unhealthy. Dhaka’s air quality index reflects a persistent challenge for the city, especially during winter months when pollution tends to peak.
The AQI serves as a crucial indicator of daily air quality, guiding residents on potential health impacts associated with pollution. In Bangladesh, the AQI considers various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
While Dhaka faces ongoing air pollution challenges, it’s part of a global issue affecting major cities like Delhi in India, Kathmandu in Nepal, and Chiang Mai in Thailand, which secured the top spots on the list with AQI scores of 234, 181, and 175, respectively.
The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the severity of air pollution, estimating that it contributes to seven million deaths annually worldwide. This sobering statistic highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat air pollution and safeguard public health.
