Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is facing a serious air quality crisis. Recently, it ranked second on the list of cities with the worst air quality, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 236. This level falls into the “very unhealthy” category, posing significant health risks for residents.
The AQI helps people understand how clean or polluted the air is. It categorizes air quality on a scale: 0-50 is “good,” 51-100 is “moderate,” 101-150 is “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” 151-200 is “unhealthy,” 201-300 is “very unhealthy,” and anything above 300 is “hazardous.” In Dhaka, the major pollutants are particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.
Other cities like Kolkata, Cairo, and Delhi are also battling poor air quality, with AQI scores of 247, 197, and 190, respectively. These conditions are troubling not just for Dhaka but across many urban areas worldwide.
Historically, Dhaka has struggled with air pollution, particularly during winter months when conditions worsen. Interestingly, the air quality usually sees some improvement during the monsoon rains. However, this brief reprieve does not solve the underlying issues.
A concerning fact is that the World Health Organization estimates around seven million deaths annually can be attributed to air pollution globally. This number underscores the need for immediate actions to improve air quality. Common health problems linked to bad air include strokes, heart disease, and respiratory infections, affecting millions of lives.
In light of these alarming statistics, experts suggest that cities like Dhaka implement stricter regulations on emissions from vehicles and factories. Urban planning that encourages public transport and green spaces can also help combat air pollution. Social media users have been vocal about their concerns, often sharing tips on how to protect themselves, such as using air purifiers indoors and wearing masks outside.
Improving air quality requires community effort, awareness, and coordinated policies. For more on this topic, you can refer to the [World Health Organization’s report on air quality](https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution).
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