On Wednesday morning, Dhaka ranked as the fourth most polluted city in the world, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 148. This classification falls under ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ meaning certain populations—like children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung issues—face higher health risks.
For comparison, Lahore, Pakistan, took the top spot with an AQI of 193, followed by Delhi, India at 159, and Karachi, Pakistan at 154. According to AQI standards, scores between 101 and 150 indicate danger for sensitive groups, while scores above 151 become increasingly hazardous, with levels above 301 being considered ‘hazardous’ to health.
The AQI tracks daily air quality and lets people know how clean or polluted the air is. In Bangladesh, this index measures five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues, particularly in winter when air quality dips. With the arrival of the monsoon, things usually improve, though the cycle of poor air quality persistently returns. This is a significant concern; the World Health Organization reports that air pollution leads to around seven million deaths worldwide every year. The primary culprits include stroke, heart disease, and respiratory infections.
Interestingly, recent trends on social media highlight rising awareness about air quality. Many users are sharing personal stories and advice on how to cope with polluted air, from wearing masks to using air purifiers at home. This growing dialogue reflects a collective concern for health and safety in polluted cities.
In light of these statistics and communal reactions, it’s clear that air pollution remains a critical issue for urban centers, especially in developing countries.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the World Health Organization’s reports on air pollution [here](https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution).
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