Dhaka's air quality was categorized as ‘unhealthy’ this morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 139 at 9:19 am. This score placed Dhaka 5th among cities worldwide with the worst air quality. India’s Delhi topped the list with an alarming AQI score of 437, followed by Lahore in Pakistan at 170 and Kathmandu in Nepal at 157.

An AQI value between 101 and 150 is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ while values between 150 and 200 are deemed ‘unhealthy.’ Scores ranging from 201 to 300 are classified as 'very unhealthy,' and readings above 301 are considered 'hazardous,' posing severe health risks to residents.

The AQI measures daily air quality based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. It informs the public about the cleanliness or pollution level of the air and potential health implications.

Dhaka has been struggling with air pollution for years, with air quality typically deteriorating in winter and improving during the monsoon season. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is a significant global health risk, causing an estimated seven million deaths annually due to conditions such as stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.