Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is facing a serious air quality crisis. Recently, it ranked ninth among the cities with the worst air quality, with an AQI (Air Quality Index) score of 165. This level indicates that the air is ‘unhealthy’, which poses significant risks to residents.
To give some context, Delhi, India topped the list with a staggering AQI of 577, followed by Lahore, Pakistan, at 317, and Kolkata, India, at 263. Such numbers raise eyebrows and concern about the health of millions living in these urban areas.
The AQI provides a daily snapshot of air quality by measuring pollutants like PM10, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Here’s a breakdown of what AQI values mean:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Moderate
- 101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
- 151-200: Unhealthy
- 201-300: Very unhealthy
- 301 and above: Hazardous
In Bangladesh, air quality tends to dip during winter months, leading to unhealthy levels, but shows improvement during the monsoon. This cycle is not just a local issue; air pollution is a global problem. The World Health Organization reports that around seven million people die each year due to air pollution-related diseases like heart disease and respiratory infections.
Experts suggest that long-term solutions are necessary. According to environmental scientist Dr. Mahmudul Hasan, “We need comprehensive policies that include stricter vehicle emissions standards and better waste management systems.” Many individuals are calling attention to this through social media, sharing their concerns and experiences with pollution in Dhaka. Hashtags like #CleanDhaka and #AirPollutionAwareness are trending as citizens demand change.
As air quality worsens, it’s vital for everyone to stay informed on daily levels and find ways to protect themselves, especially those in sensitive groups like children and the elderly. The situation in Dhaka highlights a pressing need for collaborative efforts to improve urban living conditions across the globe.
For more detailed insights on air quality and health impacts, you can explore the World Health Organization website.
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