Oct 06, V7N- Dhaka ranked 10th on the list of cities with the worst air quality this morning (October 6, 2024), with an AQI score of 101, categorizing its air as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.' The AQI indicates that people with respiratory or heart conditions, children, and older adults should limit prolonged outdoor activities. This classification covers AQI values between 101 and 150, whereas 'moderate' air quality ranges from 50 to 100.

Cities leading the poor air quality list included Hanoi (Vietnam) with an AQI of 186, and China's Beijing and Wuhan with scores of 158 and 156, respectively.

Dhaka has a history of severe air pollution, typically worsening during winter months due to a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust. However, air quality improves somewhat during the monsoon season. The city's AQI, like that of many others, is based on the levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3).

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for seven million deaths annually, primarily from conditions such as stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. Dhaka’s recurring poor air quality continues to pose significant health risks to its residents.

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