This morning, Dhaka woke up to air quality classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups," with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 144 at 8:55 am. This ranking placed Dhaka as the 8th city worldwide with the poorest air quality.

Leading the list were cities like Thailand’s Chiang Mai, India’s Delhi, Nepal’s Kathmandu, and Pakistan’s Lahore, with AQI scores ranging from 169 to 219.

When the AQI falls between 101 and 150, the air quality is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, posing risks to those with respiratory or heart conditions. Levels above 150 are deemed unhealthy, while readings surpassing 300 are classified as hazardous, presenting severe health hazards.

The AQI serves as a vital tool for assessing daily air quality, informing residents about potential health risks associated with pollution levels. In Bangladesh, the AQI is determined by analyzing five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.

Dhaka has long grappled with air pollution issues, typically worsening during the winter and improving during the monsoon season. Despite efforts to mitigate pollution, Dhaka's air quality remains a significant concern, aligning with global trends highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to WHO, air pollution contributes to approximately seven million deaths annually worldwide, primarily attributed to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Addressing air quality concerns remains a critical priority to safeguard public health and well-being in Dhaka and beyond.