Dhaka Hits Alarming High: AQI Soars to 163, Making It the Most Polluted City in the World!

Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, has recently been marked as the city with the worst air quality, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 163. This level of pollution is categorized as "unhealthy," posing a serious health risk.

Just days before, the air quality had improved due to a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal. Typically, if AQI values range from 50 to 100, the air quality is considered "moderate." However, once it rises above 100, it enters the "unhealthy" zone, where sensitive groups should limit outdoor activities. Scores of 150 to 200 indicate "unhealthy" air for everyone, and anything above 300 is labeled "hazardous," presenting significant health threats.

In comparison, Kampala in Uganda, Santiago in Chile, and Karachi in Pakistan follow closely behind Dhaka with AQI scores of 162, 158, and 134, respectively. This highlights a troubling trend affecting many urban areas worldwide.

The AQI serves as an important tool for understanding air quality. It monitors five main pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Unfortunately, Dhaka’s struggle with air pollution is not new; it worsens during winter months and typically improves with the rain.

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for approximately seven million premature deaths annually. Most of these deaths are linked to serious health issues such as heart disease and respiratory problems.

On social media, many residents express their anger and concern over the city’s air quality. They share tips on staying safe and advocate for stronger environmental policies.

As cities grow and populations rise, addressing air pollution remains a pressing global challenge. Effective measures, like investing in green spaces and public transport, are essential to improve air quality. Without action, cities like Dhaka could continue to face serious health risks and environmental degradation.

For more detailed information on air pollution’s effects and solutions, check out WHO’s resources here.

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