Dhaka recently ranked second in the world for the worst air quality, reaching an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 234. This means the air quality was ‘very unhealthy’ on that day. Cairo, Egypt, took the first spot with a score of 258, while Delhi and Karachi followed with scores of 204 and 198, respectively.
The AQI helps us understand how clean or polluted the air is. It categorizes air quality levels: scores of 101 to 150 are ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ 151 to 200 is ‘unhealthy,’ 201 to 300 is ‘very unhealthy,’ and anything over 301 is deemed ‘hazardous.’ These level indicators are crucial, as polluted air poses serious health risks.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is determined by five main pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Dhaka struggles with air pollution year-round, particularly during winter when conditions worsen. The monsoon typically brings some relief.
According to the World Health Organization, air pollution causes about seven million deaths globally each year, leading to conditions like stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer. This shows how critical it is to address air quality issues.
Recent surveys reveal that 67% of residents in Dhaka worry about air quality’s impact on their health. Many are turning to social media to share personal stories and advice on managing the risks associated with polluted air. As the conversation around air quality grows, experts in environmental science emphasize the need for immediate action to combat pollution.
Understanding and improving air quality is not just a health concern; it’s a vital step toward a sustainable future. For more information on air quality and its effects on health, you can refer to the [World Health Organization](https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_1).
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