Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked seventh among cities with the worst air quality On Saturday morning.
At 9:26 AM, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 152, classifying the air as ‘unhealthy’.
According to AQI scale, air becomes unhealthy for all residents when the index ranges between 151 and 200. In comparison, air is considered ‘moderate’ with scores between 51 and 100 and ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ between 101 and 150. AQI readings above 200 are deemed ‘very unhealthy’ or ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks.
Among global cities, Delhi (India), Lahore (Pakistan) and Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) occupied the top three spots, with AQI scores of 249, 175, and 168, respectively.
Bangladesh’s AQI is calculated using five key pollutants; particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3).
Dhaka has been struggling with severe air pollution for years. The situation typically worsens in winter due to dry weather and reduced rainfall, but sees improvement during the monsoon season.
In response to the growing crisis, researchers have been working on solutions to reduce emissions, particularly from the brick manufacturing sector; one of the major contributors to urban air pollution.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for around seven million deaths globally each year. It is a leading cause of health issues such as stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory conditions, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
LND/SH
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