Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is facing a huge air quality challenge. This morning, it ranked eighth in the world for poor air quality, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 163, marking it as ‘unhealthy.’ Other cities, like Kabul, Kolkata, Delhi, and Cairo, topped the list with even worse scores.
A simple breakdown of the AQI: scores between 50 and 100 are ‘moderate,’ meaning most people can go about their day without worry. Scores from 101 to 150 are ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ while anything from 151 to 200 is ‘unhealthy’ for everyone. A score over 300 is ‘hazardous,’ indicating serious health risks.
The AQI measures air quality using five main pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. In Dhaka, pollution increases during winter and often improves during monsoon season.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for about seven million deaths globally each year. Major contributors include strokes, heart disease, chronic lung diseases, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. High pollution levels can also affect children’s health and development, leading to lifelong issues.
To make matters worse, many residents are unaware of the risks. According to a recent survey, roughly 40% of people in urban areas don’t check air quality regularly. Social media is buzzing with concern; users are sharing tips on reducing exposure, like wearing masks or staying indoors during high pollution hours.
Experts suggest that improving air quality requires long-term policy changes, such as stricter regulations on vehicular emissions and promoting public transportation. As one environmental scientist noted, “Immediate actions lead to quicker change, but lasting solutions depend on commitment from authorities at all levels.”
The situation in Dhaka highlights the urgent need for awareness and action. Communities and local authorities must work together to address air quality issues and safeguard public health.
For more information on air quality and its health impacts, visit the WHO’s resource on air pollution. WHO on Air Quality.
Source link
New Age, The New Age, Daily New Age, Bangladesh Newspaper, Most Popular Outspoken English Daily Newpaper in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi Newspapers, Bangladesh News, Latest Bangladesh News, Bangladesh Latest News, Bangla Online News
