Dhaka, Feb 13 (V7N) –Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 148 at 8:55 AM today, ranking 16th among the world's most polluted cities. The air was categorized as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ posing a health risk to vulnerable residents.

This marks an improvement from Wednesday, when Dhaka’s AQI was 171, classified as ‘unhealthy.’ The AQI measures air pollution levels based on five major pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone.

Lahore, Yangon, and Hanoi ranked as the world's top three most polluted cities today, with AQI scores of 221, 216, and 195, respectively. Dhaka’s air quality typically deteriorates during winter but improves in the monsoon season.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is a major global health concern, contributing to an estimated seven million deaths annually due to conditions like stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. Residents, especially sensitive groups, are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exposure.

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