Dhaka, Dec 18, (V7N) - The capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka, ranked fifth among cities with the worst air quality this morning, recording an AQI (Air Quality Index) of 216 at 8:45 am, categorizing its air as "unhealthy."

According to the air quality and pollution city ranking, the cities of Delhi (India), Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Dakar (Senegal) topped the list with AQI scores of 441, 428, and 263, respectively.

'Unhealthy' to 'Hazardous' Air Quality

An AQI score between:

  • 151 and 200 is considered "unhealthy,"
  • 201 and 300 is deemed "very unhealthy," and
  • 301 and 400 is classified as "hazardous," posing severe health risks.

The AQI is a measure used to communicate the cleanliness or pollution levels in the air and the potential health effects for residents. It takes into account five major pollutants:

  • Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5)
  • Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
  • Carbon monoxide (CO)
  • Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
  • Ozone

Seasonal Challenges for Dhaka

Dhaka has long struggled with poor air quality, especially during the winter months, when air pollution worsens due to dry weather and increased emissions. In contrast, the air quality typically improves during the monsoon season, when rainfall helps reduce pollutants.

The unhealthy air quality in Dhaka continues to raise concerns about the health and well-being of its residents, emphasizing the need for immediate and sustained efforts to address the issue.

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