Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, has recently been identified as one of the cities with the worst air quality, ranking fourth globally. On Wednesday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) hit a concerning score of 205, categorizing the air as ‘very unhealthy.’ This condition poses serious risks to residents’ health.
The AQI helps people understand how clean or polluted the air is. It measures five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Here’s a quick breakdown of the AQI levels:
- 0 to 50: Good
- 51 to 100: Moderate
- 101 to 150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
- 151 to 200: Unhealthy
- 201 to 300: Very unhealthy
- 301 and above: Hazardous
For context, Delhi tops the list with an AQI of 254, followed by Kolkata at 223 and Lahore at 208. It’s clear that South Asian cities are facing severe air quality challenges.
High pollution levels are not just a local issue. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for about seven million deaths globally each year. The health effects range from respiratory ailments to heart diseases.
In Dhaka, air quality typically worsens during winter months, often improving during the monsoon rains. Experts believe that urbanization, construction, and vehicle emissions are significant contributors to the city’s pollution problem. For instance, a 2022 study highlighted that over 80% of air pollutants in Dhaka come from motor vehicles.
Community reactions have been concerning. Many residents express frustration on social media, urging authorities to take action. Some even share tips on how to cope with poor air quality, such as using air purifiers indoors or wearing masks outside.
It’s vital for everyone to be aware of their surroundings and the air they breathe. Keeping updated on air quality can help us make safer choices throughout our day.
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