Dhaka Air Quality Deteriorates Amid Heatwave

Dhaka’s air quality took a concerning turn, ranking sixth globally for poor air quality with an AQI score of 145 at 9 am on Sunday. Classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” Dhaka’s air quality index (AQI) raised alarms regarding potential health risks. Nepal’s Kathmandu, Thailand’s Chiang Mai, and China’s Chengdu led the list, emphasizing the severity of air pollution in the region. Understanding AQI levels is crucial: while values between 101 and 150 signal “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” readings above 301 pose severe health hazards. In Bangladesh, the AQI assesses particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone levels, reflecting daily air quality conditions. Dhaka’s persistent struggle with air pollution, particularly during winter, underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global air pollution contributes to millions of deaths annually, highlighting the gravity of the issue and the imperative for collective action.