Dhaka Ranked as the 2nd Most Polluted City: Shocking AQI Score Hits 196 – What You Need to Know!

Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is facing serious air quality issues. Recently, it ranked second among cities with the worst air quality, showing an AQI score of 196 early on Saturday. This level of air quality is labeled as ‘unhealthy,’ which poses health risks to everyone living in the area.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a warning system for pollution levels. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 50-100: Moderate – Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor activities.
• 101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups.
• 151-200: Unhealthy – Health effects may occur for everyone.
• 201-300: Very unhealthy – Serious health risks present.
• 301 and above: Hazardous – Emergency health warnings in place.

On the same list, Lahore in Pakistan topped with an AQI of 256, followed closely by Delhi in India with 190 and Cairo in Egypt at 182.

The AQI measures daily air quality, focusing on five main pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. This index helps residents understand how clean or polluted their air is and what health effects they might face.

Unfortunately, Dhaka has struggled with air pollution for years, particularly during the winter season. The situation typically improves with the arrival of the monsoons. The World Health Organization reports that air pollution causes around seven million deaths worldwide each year, mainly from health issues like strokes, heart diseases, and respiratory infections.