Dhaka, Feb 8(V7N) — Dhaka has recorded the second-worst air quality in the world, with an AQI score of 177 at 9:09 a.m. on Saturday, classifying the air as "unhealthy", according to the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Global Air Pollution Rankings

Pakistan’s Lahore topped the list with an AQI of 217, while India’s Delhi (176) and Senegal’s Dakar (175) ranked third and fourth, respectively.

Air quality is measured on a scale where:

101-150 is considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups"
150-200 is "unhealthy"
201-300 is "very unhealthy"
301+ is "hazardous", posing severe health risks

Dhaka’s Persistent Air Pollution Crisis

Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, particularly during winter months, while conditions improve during the monsoon season. The Bangladesh AQI is based on five key pollutants:

Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5)
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
Ozone

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

As pollution levels rise, experts warn of severe health consequences for Dhaka’s residents, urging immediate action to mitigate risks.

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