Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, ranked 19th among cities with the worst air quality, showing an AQI score of 93 at 9:45 am on Wednesday. While this score falls into the ‘moderate’ category, indicating a slight health risk, the air quality in the city has been problematic for several days.
To understand the AQI better, a score between 50 and 100 means the air is generally acceptable, but those who are sensitive should limit outdoor activities. Scores from 101 to 150 are unhealthy for sensitive groups, and anything above 150 is increasingly hazardous. For instance, Kuwait City topped the list with a dreadful score of 241, followed by Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at 200 and Lahore, Pakistan, at 167.
The AQI helps people know the state of the air they breathe. It is calculated based on five main pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. In Dhaka, air quality generally worsens during winter and improves with the monsoon rains.
According to the World Health Organization, around seven million people die annually due to air pollution-related issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and respiratory infections. These alarming statistics highlight a global health crisis that many cities, including Dhaka, face.
Recently, social media discussions have focused on air pollution in Dhaka, with residents expressing frustration and concern. Local activists are calling for stronger regulations to improve air quality, pointing to the need for urban planning and better traffic management.
Experts suggest practical solutions like increasing green spaces, using public transportation, and promoting cleaner technologies to combat this growing issue. As air quality decreases, it impacts not just health but also daily life and productivity, making it a pressing problem for both individuals and policymakers.
For more insights on air quality and health, you can check the World Health Organization’s air quality reports here.
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