Dhaka recorded the world’s worst air quality this morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 173 at 9:05 am, according to the air quality and pollution city ranking.
The air in Dhaka was classified as 'unhealthy,' indicating potential health risks for residents. An AQI score between 151 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy,' while higher scores pose increasingly severe risks: 'very unhealthy' (201-300) and 'hazardous' (301-400).
Neighboring cities like Delhi in India, Hanoi in Vietnam, and Kathmandu in Nepal followed Dhaka on the list, with AQI scores of 149, 147, and 125, respectively.
The AQI measures daily air quality based on five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. It informs residents about pollution levels and potential health effects.
Dhaka's air pollution problem is persistent, worsening during winter months when particulate matter levels rise due to weather conditions and human activities. Conditions generally improve during the monsoon season.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution contributes to seven million deaths annually, primarily from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses.
