DHAKA, Jan 29, (V7N) — The overcrowded capital of Bangladesh has recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 248 at 9 AM this morning, making it the fifth most polluted city in the world for the day.

With this reading, Dhaka’s air quality falls into the ‘very unhealthy’ category, posing severe health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Among the worst-affected cities, China’s Chengdu topped the list with an alarming AQI of 536, followed by Delhi (413) and Wuhan (400).

Dhaka’s air pollution crisis is not new, as the city regularly experiences dangerous levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3).

Air quality in Dhaka deteriorates severely in winter due to dry weather, construction dust, emissions from brick kilns, and vehicular pollution, but sees improvement during the monsoon season.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is a leading cause of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and acute respiratory infections. Globally, it contributes to an estimated seven million deaths annually.

AQI Breakdown and Health Implications

  • 0-50: Good (Minimal health concern)
  • 51-100: Moderate (Sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion)
  • 101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups (Children, elderly, and those with respiratory issues at risk)
  • 151-200: Unhealthy (General public may experience health effects)
  • 201-300: Very unhealthy (Increased risk for all individuals)
  • 301+: Hazardous (Serious health threats; emergency conditions)

Experts emphasize the need for strict pollution control measures, including reducing industrial emissions, improving public transportation, curbing unregulated construction, and enforcing environmental laws to combat Dhaka’s worsening air pollution.

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