Dhaka’s Air Quality: Understanding the ‘Moderate’ Levels and What It Means for You

Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, recently ranked 22nd for the worst air quality, with an AQI score of 77 early on Monday morning. This score indicates a ‘moderate’ air quality, which suggests only a slight health risk, particularly for sensitive individuals.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is crucial for understanding how clean or polluted our city’s air is. When the AQI falls between 50 and 100, it’s seen as moderate, which means those with respiratory issues might want to limit outdoor activities. Scores between 101 and 150 are unhealthy for sensitive groups. Anything above 200 turns unhealthy for everyone. Recently, cities like Kampala, Santiago, and Dubai topped the list with much worse air quality, scoring 157, 153, and 137 respectively.

The AQI in Bangladesh is determined by five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Dhaka has faced significant air pollution challenges for years, especially noticeable during winter months when the air quality tends to worsen. Monsoon season typically brings some relief.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is a leading cause of death, claiming around seven million lives globally each year. The primary health concerns linked to air pollution include stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. For context, in 2005, the WHO reported 4.6 million deaths, indicating a troubling global trend.

As discussions about air quality grow, more people are raising concerns on social media. Many are sharing tips on reducing exposure to polluted air, like wearing masks or staying indoors during peak pollution times. There’s a keen interest in adopting greener alternatives and bringing awareness to air quality issues. This engagement shows that public awareness is growing, and people are looking for ways to make a difference.

For a deeper understanding of air quality and its implications, check out this report from the World Health Organization: WHO on Air Quality and Health.

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