Dhaka, Jan 2 (V7N) – Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh, has been ranked sixth on the list of cities with the worst air quality as of 9:21 am today, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 216, classifying its air as 'very unhealthy.'

According to the air quality and pollution city ranking, Bosnia Herzegovina's Sarajevo topped the list with an AQI score of 289, followed by Vietnam's Hanoi at 266 and Pakistan's Karachi at 258.

AQI Classification and Health Implications

151-200: Unhealthy

201-300: Very Unhealthy

301-400: Hazardous

An AQI score in the 'very unhealthy' range poses significant health risks to residents, particularly children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Pollutants and Seasonal Trends

The AQI in Bangladesh is determined based on five key pollutants:

Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5)

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

Carbon monoxide (CO)

Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

Ozone

Dhaka's air quality often deteriorates in winter due to increased emissions and stagnant weather conditions but tends to improve during the monsoon season.

Efforts to combat air pollution in Dhaka remain a pressing issue, with environmental and health experts urging immediate and sustainable measures to address the city's  chronic air quality challenges.

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