Dhaka ranked ninth on the global list of cities with the worst air quality, recording an AQI score of 160 at 9:50 AM this morning (March 23, 2025).
The air quality was classified as 'unhealthy', indicating a potential health risk to residents, according to the AQI index.
In comparison, yesterday's air quality was the worst globally, with an AQI score of 221.
The AQI (Air Quality Index) categorizes air quality as follows:
- Between 50 and 100, it is considered ‘moderate,’ with sensitive individuals advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
- Between 101 and 150, it is ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups.’
- Between 150 and 200, it is considered ‘unhealthy.’
- Between 201 and 300, it is categorized as ‘very unhealthy.’
- A score above 301 is ‘hazardous’ and poses serious health risks.
Lahore, Pakistan topped the list with an AQI of 284, followed by Delhi, India at 189, and Hanoi, Vietnam at 187.
The AQI measures air quality based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka has struggled with air pollution for years, with air quality typically worsening in the winter and improving during the monsoon season. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for around seven million deaths globally each year, contributing to conditions like stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections.
