Dhaka ranks first on the list of 124 most polluted cities in the world today, with its air quality deemed hazardous. Experts have advised the public to remain cautious.
As of 8:23 AM on Monday (February 10), Dhaka’s Air Quality Index (AQI) score stood at 378, categorizing the air as ‘hazardous’ or ‘extremely risky.’
Following Dhaka, Kolkata, India, ranked second with an AQI score of 292, while Lahore, Pakistan, took third place with a score of 247. Delhi, another Indian city, ranked fourth with a score of 225.
According to AQI classifications, a score between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good,’ while 51 to 100 is ‘moderate.’ A score of 101 to 150 is deemed ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ and 151 to 200 is categorized as ‘unhealthy.’ An AQI between 201 and 300 is labeled ‘very unhealthy,’ while any score above 301 is classified as ‘hazardous’ or ‘extremely risky.’
Air pollution poses severe health risks to people of all ages. However, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable.
Experts attribute Dhaka’s air pollution to brick kilns, vehicle emissions, and dust from construction sites. The consequences include increased risks of respiratory issues, coughing, lower respiratory tract infections, and even depression.
Notably, the ranking of polluted cities is published by IQAir, a Switzerland-based air quality monitoring technology company. The AQI score provides daily insights into air quality in a specific city, helping people assess pollution levels and potential health risks.
