DHAKA, Feb 23,  (V7N) – Dhaka has ranked second on the global list of cities with the worst air quality, recording an AQI score of 190 at 9 AM today, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI).

The city’s air was classified as “unhealthy”, posing a significant health threat to residents. Dakar (Senegal) topped the list with an AQI of 194, followed by Kampala (Uganda) at 182 and Wuhan (China) at 181.

Rain Brings Slight Relief

Over the past few days, Dhaka experienced very unhealthy air conditions, but light rain on Saturday evening may have contributed to a slight improvement at the start of the workweek.

According to AQI standards:

150-200 is considered unhealthy,

201-300 is very unhealthy, and

301+ is hazardous, posing severe health risks.

Dhaka’s Ongoing Air Pollution Struggles

Dhaka has been struggling with severe air pollution for years, with winter months being the worst due to increased industrial emissions, construction dust, and dry weather. The air quality typically improves during the monsoon when rainfall helps reduce pollutants.

The Bangladesh AQI measures five key pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.

Global Health Concerns

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for seven million deaths worldwide annually, leading to stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections.

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