Dhaka has been making headlines lately for its air quality. Recently, it ranked second in the world’s most polluted cities, scoring 251 on the Air Quality Index (AQI). This level is classified as ‘very unhealthy,’ which poses significant health risks for residents.
To put this in perspective, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, took the top spot with a staggering AQI of 404, while Delhi, India, came in third at 192. The AQI scale ranges from 0 to over 300. Readings from 0-50 are good; 51-100 is moderate; 101-150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups; 151-200 is unhealthy; 201-300 is very unhealthy; and anything above 300 is hazardous.
Air quality is a daily measure that reflects how clean or polluted the air is. In Bangladesh, the AQI is tracked based on five main pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. These pollutants can harm health, especially during winter months when air quality tends to worsen.
The impact of air pollution is profound. According to the World Health Organization, around seven million people die worldwide each year due to issues related to air pollution, including strokes, heart disease, and lung cancer.
User reactions on social media have reflected a sense of urgency. Many residents are expressing concerns and calling for immediate government action to improve air quality. This grassroots push indicates a growing awareness of health and environmental issues.
In historical context, air pollution has been a challenge in urban areas for decades, often linked to industrial growth. However, the alarming rates we see today call for urgent measures. This ongoing crisis highlights a need for effective policies and community engagement to combat pollution.
For more information on air quality and health, you can check out the World Health Organization’s report, which details the global impact of air pollution.
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