Dhaka’s Air Quality Alert: AQI Hits 179, Declares ‘Unhealthy’ Status – What You Need to Know!

Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is facing a significant air quality crisis. Recently, it ranked 5th in the world for poor air quality, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 179 early one Sunday morning. This level is categorized as ‘unhealthy,’ which means it can negatively affect everyone, especially those with existing health conditions.

To give you some context, the AQI scale ranges from 0 to over 300. A score from 50 to 100 is deemed ‘moderate’—usually safe for most people, although sensitive individuals may need to limit outdoor activities. Scores between 101 and 150 are ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ while 151 to 200 is simply ‘unhealthy.’ When the score hits 201 to 300, the air quality is ‘very unhealthy.’ Anything above 300 is considered ‘hazardous,’ posing serious risks to everyone in the area.

In comparison, cities in China are currently leading in poor air quality. Guangzhou tops the list with an alarming AQI of 296, followed by Chongqing at 195 and Shenzhen at 187.

In Bangladesh, the AQI is influenced by five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone. Understanding these factors is vital as air pollution is a pressing global issue. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution leads to approximately seven million premature deaths annually, mainly due to conditions like strokes, heart disease, chronic respiratory issues, lung cancer, and severe infections.

Recent surveys highlight that many Dhaka residents are deeply concerned about air pollution. A growing number of people have taken to social media, sharing their experiences and urging authorities for better air quality management. Users often post pictures of the hazy sky and discuss simple changes they’re making, like using air purifiers indoors.

As we evaluate urban living conditions, the negative impacts of low air quality become all too clear. Experts in environmental health stress the need for immediate actions, such as stricter regulations on emissions and increased public awareness campaigns. Social initiatives can also help improve awareness and adapt lifestyles to lessen exposure to pollution.

For further insights on air quality issues and global statistics, you can check reports from the World Health Organization. It’s crucial for both citizens and policymakers to join forces in tackling this urgent challenge head-on.

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