Dhaka rated fourth on the list of cities with the worst air quality in the world at 9:30 a.m. today, with an air quality index (AQI) score of 179.
Thailand’s Chiang Mai, Nepal’s Kathmandu, and India’s Delhi topped the list, with AQI scores of 222, 192, and 190, respectively.
An AQI of 101 to 150 is deemed ‘unhealthy,’ 201 to 300 is considered’very unhealthy,’ and 301 or higher is regarded ‘hazardous,’ posing major health hazards to people.
The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and O zone.
Dhaka has long been plagued by air pollution problems. Its air quality often deteriorates throughout the winter and recovers during the monsoon.
Air pollution is frequently ranked as one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people globally each year, primarily due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
