Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked 23rd among cities with the worst air quality on Sunday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 79 at 9:50am, according to global air monitoring data.
The city's air was categorized as "moderate" based on the AQI scale, indicating a light health threat. While such levels are generally acceptable for the general population, individuals who are unusually sensitive to air pollution are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
An AQI score between 51 and 100 is considered "moderate," while scores between 101 and 150 are labeled "unhealthy for sensitive groups." Levels between 151 and 200 are “unhealthy,” 201 to 300 “very unhealthy,” and any reading above 301 is classified as “hazardous.”
On the same day, Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo topped the list of most polluted cities with an AQI score of 162, followed by Riyadh (153) and Kampala (152).
The AQI measures daily air quality and its potential health impact, based on five key pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, CO, SO₂, and ozone.
Dhaka residents have long been exposed to poor air quality, particularly in the dry winter months, though conditions typically improve during the monsoon season. Despite temporary improvements, the city continues to struggle with persistent pollution challenges.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution contributes to approximately seven million premature deaths globally each year, mostly from heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory infections.
MN/
