Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, has found itself on a troubling list. Recently, it ranked 10th among cities with the worst air quality, clocking in at an AQI score of 79—this was recorded around 9:50 AM one Wednesday morning.
On that day, the air quality was marked as ‘moderate.’ This means there was a slight risk, particularly for sensitive individuals. The moderate status held for two consecutive days.
According to the AQI scale, scores between 50 and 100 indicate moderate air quality. People who are more sensitive to pollution should think about limiting their time outdoors. When scores climb past 100, the air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Ratings between 150 and 200 are unhealthy, while anything above 300 poses serious health risks.
In comparison, other cities struggled even more. Delhi in India topped the chart with a shocking AQI of 407, followed by Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia at 225, and Lahore in Pakistan at 206.
The AQI helps people understand how clean or polluted their air is. It reflects five major pollutants: particulate matter (both PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.
Air pollution isn’t new for Dhaka. The city often faces worsening air quality during winter months, while monsoon rains tend to clear the air. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is linked to about seven million deaths globally each year, mainly due to cardiovascular diseases and respiratory infections.
Recent research indicates that the effects of air pollution go beyond health. According to a 2022 survey by the World Bank, air quality impacts economic productivity, costing countries billions in lost labor and healthcare costs. This link between air quality and economic health is drawing more attention from experts. Dr. Simi K. Rahman, an environmental scientist, emphasizes, “It’s not just about breathing; it’s about living quality and economic stability.”
Social media reactions to air quality reports reveal a growing concern among residents. Many are sharing tips on how to protect themselves from the effects of pollution, indicating a shift towards more proactive community awareness.
Clearly, tackling air pollution is vital for the health and well-being of Dhaka’s residents. As awareness grows, so does the need for actionable change.
Source link
New Age, The New Age, Daily New Age, Bangladesh Newspaper, Most Popular Outspoken English Daily Newpaper in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi Newspapers, Bangladesh News, Latest Bangladesh News, Bangladesh Latest News, Bangla Online News
