Unmasking Dhaka’s Air Quality: Why It’s Still Unhealthy This Eid Holiday

Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, recently reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 135, placing it eighth on the list of cities with the worst air quality. This score indicates that the air is unhealthy, particularly for sensitive groups.

On the day this score was recorded, traffic was lighter than usual due to the Eid-ul-Azha holiday. Despite fewer vehicles and pedestrians on the streets, air quality remained poor. This raises concern for the health of residents, especially since Dhaka often struggles with pollution.

The AQI ranges from 0 to above 300, indicating varying degrees of air quality. Scores between 50 and 100 are considered moderate. If the score falls between 101 and 150, it’s unhealthy for sensitive groups. Scores above 150 can have serious health impacts. For example, Delhi, India, had the worst air quality with an AQI of 174, followed by Baghdad and Kuwait City.

The AQI measures five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. These factors significantly impact daily health and can lead to serious diseases.

Historically, Dhaka’s air quality deteriorates in the winter months and tends to improve during monsoon season. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for about seven million deaths globally each year. The effects include serious conditions like stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections.

Experts stress the need for stronger regulations and public awareness to combat air pollution. As social media users express their concerns about the state’s air quality, it’s clear that residents are increasingly aware of the risks and are advocating for change. Addressing this issue is crucial for the health of millions, as cities like Dhaka continue to wrestle with air quality challenges.

For more on air quality and its effects on health, you can refer to reports from the [World Health Organization](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/air-pollution). Understanding the numbers and their impacts can help communities push for cleaner air.

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