Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, has recently ranked 10th among the world’s cities with the worst air quality, recording an AQI score of 166. On that particular Thursday morning, the air was considered ‘unhealthy,’ which poses serious health risks. The pattern of poor air quality has persisted for several days.
Understanding the AQI is essential. When values fall between 50 and 100, the air is ‘moderate.’ However, an AQI score of 101 to 150 indicates it’s ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups.’ Scores between 150 and 200 are labeled as ‘unhealthy,’ while anything above 200 reaches ‘very unhealthy’ and above 300 is deemed ‘hazardous.’ Each of these levels can threaten the well-being of residents.
Other cities ranked worse than Dhaka include Cairo, Lahore, and Delhi, which scored significantly high at 293, 284, and 280 respectively. These alarming figures highlight a trend in air pollution across major urban areas worldwide.
The AQI in Bangladesh is calculated based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Each of these pollutants has varying effects on health, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
For context, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes around seven million premature deaths globally each year, predominantly from conditions like stroke, heart disease, and respiratory infections. This alarming statistic emphasizes the urgency of addressing air quality.
Historically, Dhaka’s air quality has suffered, especially during the winter months, while improvements are often seen during the rainy season. Yet, without significant changes in urban planning and pollution control, these seasonal fluctuations are unlikely to provide long-term solutions.
Increasing awareness through social media shows more residents sharing their experiences with air quality. Many express concern for their health and question local authorities about the lack of improvements. This growing dialogue reflects a strong desire for action.
In short, air quality is a pressing issue in Dhaka and many other cities. Continuous monitoring and responsive measures are crucial to ensuring the health and safety of residents. For more detailed insights on air quality impact, you can refer to the WHO’s comprehensive report here.
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