In the ongoing battle against air pollution, Dhaka, Bangladesh’s bustling capital, finds itself ranked fifth globally for its poor air quality, with an AQI index of 130 recorded at 9 am on Monday.
Despite a moderate rating the previous day, Monday’s air quality in Dhaka was classified as “unhealthy.” The AQI scale categorizes air quality based on particle pollution levels, with values between 101 and 150 considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Leading the list of cities with the worst air quality were Kathmandu, Beijing, and Chiang Mai, underscoring the severity of air pollution challenges across the region.
The AQI serves as a vital tool for assessing daily air quality, informing residents about potential health risks associated with polluted air. In Bangladesh, the AQI is measured based on five key pollutants, highlighting the multifaceted nature of air pollution.
Dhaka’s struggle with air pollution is a longstanding issue, exacerbated during the winter months and relieved somewhat during the monsoon season. However, sustained efforts are essential to combat this persistent problem and safeguard public health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution remains a global health crisis, claiming millions of lives annually. Urgent action is needed to mitigate its adverse effects on human health and well-being.