Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, has recently earned a concerning spot as the 32nd city in the world for poor air quality, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 62 reported on Sunday morning.
This AQI places Dhaka’s air in the “moderate” category, which means some people may face mild health risks when outdoors for extended periods. The AQI values range widely: scores between 50 and 100 are moderate, while anything above 100 can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups.
For context, cities like Cairo, Kinshasa, and Lahore have it even worse, with AQI scores soaring to 157, 144, and 140, respectively. This shows a global trend where many urban areas struggle with pollution.
The AQI measures five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. In Dhaka, air quality often takes a dive during winter months but tends to improve when the monsoons arrive.
This ongoing issue isn’t just localized. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for about seven million deaths worldwide each year. It’s a grim statistic, driven largely by diseases related to heart and lung conditions, which can be exacerbated by poor air quality.
As awareness grows, many Dhaka residents are turning to social media to discuss air quality impacts on daily life. Concerns about children’s health and outdoor activities are frequently shared, showing a community that is increasingly engaged and concerned. In recent polls, over 70% of people expressed serious worries about the long-term effects of air pollution on public health.
Addressing these challenges will require collective action and policy changes. Local governments, alongside international organizations, must prioritize cleaner air initiatives to protect public health and enrich the quality of life in Dhaka and beyond.
For further insights on air quality and its impacts, you can refer to the WHO’s [Global Air Quality](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/air-pollution) report.
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