As of September 2, 2024, Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked 10th on the list of cities with the worst air quality, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 133 at 9:30 AM. This level of air quality is classified as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups', indicating that individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, children, and older adults should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Understanding AQI Levels

The AQI is a standardized index used to report daily air quality, reflecting how clean or polluted the air is and the associated health effects. The classifications are as follows:

  • 50-100: Moderate
  • 101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
  • 151-200: Unhealthy
  • 201-300: Very unhealthy
  • 301 and above: Hazardous

In Dhaka, the AQI is determined based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.

Current Air Quality Context

Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, particularly during the winter months when air quality deteriorates significantly. The city often sees improvements during the monsoon season. The recent AQI score of 133 reflects ongoing challenges, as the city has consistently ranked among the most polluted globally.

Global Air Quality Rankings

In the latest rankings, Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo topped the list with an AQI of 184, followed by Lahore in Pakistan at 159 and Doha in Qatar at 154. These figures highlight a broader issue of air pollution affecting many urban areas worldwide.

Health Implications

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for an estimated seven million deaths globally each year, primarily due to increased mortality from conditions such as stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. The situation in Dhaka underscores the urgent need for effective air quality management and public health interventions to protect vulnerable populations.