Dhaka, Dec 22, (V7N) - On December 22nd, several major cities in Asia, including Dhaka, Delhi, Lahore, and others, were grappling with hazardous air quality levels that posed severe health risks to their populations.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, ranked third on the global air quality index (AQI) with an alarming AQI of 287 at 8:34 AM, which is classified as “very unhealthy.” This level of pollution is associated with serious health effects for residents, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory issues or heart disease. Dhaka's air quality typically worsens during the winter months due to reduced wind circulation and increased emissions from vehicles and industrial activities. The city’s air pollution has been a persistent issue, often reaching unhealthy levels during the colder months and improving somewhat during the monsoon season.

Delhi, India’s capital, topped the list with the worst air quality, recording an AQI of 475, which is categorized as “hazardous.” This AQI level represents a significant health emergency for the entire population, as even healthy individuals are at risk of experiencing adverse effects. Delhi's air pollution is largely driven by factors like vehicle emissions, construction dust, industrial activities, and, most notably, the practice of stubble burning in neighboring agricultural regions. The smog during winter months in Delhi worsens significantly, with air quality at hazardous levels for prolonged periods.

Lahore, the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province, also faced severe air pollution with an AQI of 291, which falls under the “very unhealthy” category. Lahore's air quality is often affected by emissions from vehicles, industrial pollution, and burning of crop residues. The situation is exacerbated during the winter months when temperature inversions trap pollutants near the ground, leading to persistent smog.

Other cities in Asia were also experiencing significant air pollution. Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, recorded an AQI of 180, which is considered “unhealthy.” Similarly, Jakarta, Indonesia, faced an AQI of 155, which falls into the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category, indicating potential risks for individuals with respiratory conditions.

Air quality is monitored by the AQI, an index used to report the level of air pollution and its potential health effects. The AQI measures five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. The higher the AQI value, the more dangerous the air quality becomes. AQI values between 151-200 are considered unhealthy, 201-300 is very unhealthy, and values above 300 fall into the hazardous category, posing serious risks to the health of the entire population.

The poor air quality in these cities is mainly attributed to factors such as heavy traffic, industrial emissions, construction dust, and, in the case of Delhi and Lahore, stubble burning. During the winter, the lack of rainfall and slow-moving winds contribute to the concentration of pollutants in the air, making the situation even worse. In Dhaka, the low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal also contributes to stagnant air, further exacerbating the pollution levels.

Environmental experts urge immediate action, including stricter regulations on emissions, better waste management practices, and promotion of cleaner technologies in the industrial and transportation sectors, to improve air quality in these cities. Authorities are also advising residents to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and use air purifiers to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.

While the air quality might improve with the onset of the monsoon season, sustained efforts are required to address the root causes of air pollution and protect public health in these major Asian cities.

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