"Air pollution kills seven million people worldwide every year,"
mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infect: WHO

Good morning, this is your weather news update for Sunday, January 21, 2024. I'm here to provide you with the latest information on air quality in various cities, focusing on Dhaka and its neighboring regions.

At 8:50 a.m. today, Dhaka experienced an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 231, making it the second city in the world with the poorest air quality. The classification for Dhaka's air was 'very unhealthy,' indicating serious health risks for residents. The primary pollutants contributing to this high AQI include particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.

In comparison, Kolkata, India, claimed the top spot with an AQI of 257, followed by Dhaka, the third and the fourth spots on the list, Karachi in Pakistan with an AQI of 205, and Delhi, India, with a score of 192.

There is a history of air pollution in Dhaka, which worsens in winter. Dhaka's PM2.5 concentration is 168 g/m, roughly 6.72 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit.

Globally, air pollution is a severe concern, with the World Health Organization estimating it causes approximately seven million deaths annually. The significant health risks associated with air pollution include stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Efforts to address air quality issues in Dhaka and other regional cities are crucial for public health and well-being. Authorities and residents alike are encouraged to take necessary precautions, especially for sensitive groups, as the air quality poses serious health risks.

As we continue to monitor the weather and air quality, residents must stay informed and follow any advisories or guidelines provided by local health authorities. We will keep you updated on any changes in the air quality situation. Stay safe and take care of your health.