Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, recently faced alarming air quality levels. On a Sunday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) showed a score of 226, placing it fourth among cities with the worst air pollution. This rating classifies the air as ‘very unhealthy,’ posing serious health risks to residents.
The air quality in Dhaka has fluctuated in recent days. While previously ranked as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ the situation worsened to ‘very unhealthy,’ highlighting the urgent need for action. The AQI is a crucial tool that informs us about how clean or polluted the air is. It’s based on various pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.
To put things in context, an AQI score ranging from 50 to 100 indicates ‘moderate’ air, suitable for most people. Scores between 101 and 150 signal that sensitive individuals should avoid prolonged outdoor activities. Scores soaring above 200, like Dhaka’s recent numbers, can indicate severe risks.
This situation isn’t unique to Dhaka. Cities like Delhi and Kolkata in India and Beijing in China are often at the top of the list for poor air quality. Delhi registered a staggering AQI of 722 recently. These rankings highlight a growing global issue: according to the World Health Organization, air pollution results in approximately seven million deaths worldwide each year, linked mainly to respiratory diseases and heart conditions.
As we compare present-day air quality issues to the past, we see a worrying trend. In 1980, air quality data was almost non-existent for many regions. Now, real-time reporting via AQI is available, but the consistent rise in pollution levels raises serious concerns. The good news is that during the monsoon, Dhaka’s air quality typically improves. However, more sustained efforts are needed year-round to combat this pervasive issue.
Social media has buzzed with reactions to the recent air quality reports, with many residents expressing frustration and concern. Hashtags related to air pollution are trending, as people share personal stories about the health impacts they’ve faced due to poor air quality.
For detailed statistics on air quality trends and health effects, you can refer to the latest WHO reports.
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