Dhaka has recently ranked 12th among the cities with the worst air quality. At about 9:20 AM on Saturday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a score of 121, marking the air as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups.’ This means that those with preexisting health issues might face risks when outdoors.
For comparison, Chiang Mai in Thailand, Cairo in Egypt, and Kathmandu in Nepal topped the list with AQI scores of 251, 196, and 174, respectively. These figures highlight a growing global concern over air quality.
The AQI is divided into several categories. Scores between 50 and 100 indicate ‘moderate’ air quality. However, once the score rises above 100, the air quality worsens: ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ (101-150), ‘unhealthy’ (151-200), ‘very unhealthy’ (201-300), and anything above 300 is ‘hazardous.’ This grading system is vital for the public to understand potential health threats.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated using five main pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Sadly, Dhaka’s air quality tends to dip during winter months and slightly improves during the monsoon. This seasonal pattern illustrates how weather can impact pollution levels.
A staggering statistic from the World Health Organization states that air pollution causes approximately seven million premature deaths globally each year. This dire figure emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and action to combat pollution-related health risks, including serious conditions like stroke, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses.
Experts stress that improving air quality is not just about policy changes but also about community involvement. Engaging citizens in awareness programs can make a difference in reducing pollution. Social media trends reveal that more people are sharing tips on how to shield themselves from poor air quality, such as using masks or promoting greener transport options.
Air pollution is a complex issue affecting everyone. Awareness, education, and collective efforts can contribute to a cleaner, healthier future.
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