Dhaka’s Air Quality Hits ‘Unhealthy’ Levels: What the AQI Score of 107 Means for Sensitive Groups

Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, recently ranked eighth on the list of cities with the worst air quality. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hit a concerning score of 107, classifying the air as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups.’ Just days before, the air had been in a moderate range.

The AQI is a valuable tool for understanding air quality. Scores between 50 and 100 indicate moderate conditions, while 101 to 150 suggest the air is unhealthy for sensitive individuals. If the AQI rises above 150, the air quality deteriorates significantly, posing health risks to everyone. For context, cities like Jakarta, Kinshasa, and Cairo lead the list with scores soaring into the 170s and 160s.

Air quality in Dhaka mainly suffers from pollutants like particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. The situation worsens during winter, but tends to improve with the arrival of the monsoon season.

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is a severe global issue, causing about seven million premature deaths each year. Most of these deaths are linked to serious health problems like strokes and respiratory diseases.

The ongoing air quality challenges in Dhaka highlight the urgent need for effective air pollution control measures. While awareness about air quality seems to be increasing online, many residents still struggle to find solutions to protect their health on a daily basis. Understanding air quality’s direct impact on our wellbeing could motivate more people to advocate for cleaner air initiatives.

For further insights on air quality statistics and health impacts, you can explore the [World Health Organization’s report](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health).

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