Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, once again finds itself ranked 3rd on the global list of cities with the poorest air quality. At 9 am on Friday, the city recorded an AQI index of 156, marking its air quality as “unhealthy.”
While the previous day saw Dhaka’s air classified as “very unhealthy,” the current reading still poses risks, especially for sensitive groups. The AQI scale delineates various levels of air quality, ranging from “moderate” to “hazardous,” with Dhaka’s condition falling within the “unhealthy” range.
Ahead of Dhaka on the list are India’s Delhi, Pakistan’s Lahore, and Vietnam’s Hanoi, highlighting the widespread issue of air pollution across the region.
The AQI serves as a crucial tool for informing residents about the cleanliness or pollution levels in their city’s air and the potential health implications. In Bangladesh, the AQI considers five pollutants, including particulate matter and ozone.
Dhaka’s ongoing battle with air pollution underscores the urgent need for mitigation measures. While air quality tends to improve during the monsoon season, the city faces persistent challenges, especially during the winter months.
The grim reality of air pollution’s impact, as highlighted by the World Health Organization, emphasizes the importance of concerted efforts to address this pressing issue and safeguard public health.
