Dhaka Ranks as the 5th Most Polluted City: What an AQI of 139 Means for Your Health

Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is facing serious air quality issues. Recently, during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays when streets are less crowded, Dhaka still ranked fifth on the list of cities with the worst air quality. On a Sunday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) hit a troubling score of 139, indicating ‘unhealthy’ air. This means that everyone, especially those with existing health issues, should limit time spent outdoors.

The AQI uses a scale to classify air quality. Scores between 50 and 100 are considered ‘moderate’, while 101 to 150 is ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’. If the score exceeds 150, it is ‘unhealthy’, and anything above 200 is seen as ‘very unhealthy’. A score reaching over 300 is termed ‘hazardous’, presenting serious health risks.

In comparison, cities like Santiago, Delhi, and Detroit topped the list with AQI scores of 164, 160, and 153, respectively. The AQI measures five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. These pollutants significantly impact health, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Dhaka’s air quality has been a long-standing issue, getting worse especially in winter. It tends to improve slightly during the monsoon. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that air pollution results in about seven million deaths globally each year, mainly due to heart disease and respiratory problems. Experts emphasize the urgent need for actionable steps to curb pollution levels.

Social media discussions show growing public concern about air quality. Many people now share tips on protecting themselves, like wearing masks and using air purifiers. Such trends underline our collective awareness of air quality issues.

In light of these challenges, continuous monitoring and public awareness initiatives are essential. As cities around the world confront similar situations, cooperative efforts could pave the way for cleaner air for everyone.

For more details on air quality measurement and its impact, check out the WHO’s resources on air pollution.

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