Dhaka, Dec 25 (V7N) – Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked 7th globally for poor air quality with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 189 as of 9:00 am on Wednesday. The AQI reading classified the city's air as 'unhealthy,' posing health risks to residents.

Global Rankings

Baghdad, Iraq, led the list with the worst air quality at an AQI score of 272, followed by Delhi, India (265), and Lahore, Pakistan (244).

AQI Health Classifications:

151–200: Unhealthy

201–300: Very Unhealthy

301–400: Hazardous

Pollutants Measured

Bangladesh's AQI assessment includes five major pollutants:

  • Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5)
  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO)
  • Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
  • Ozone

Seasonal Trends

Dhaka's air quality typically worsens in winter due to increased emissions and stagnant weather conditions, while the monsoon season brings temporary relief.

Health Impact

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution contributes to approximately seven million deaths annually, linked to severe health issues such as stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

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