The air quality in Dhaka has been classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups” on Friday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 129 recorded at 10:50 AM.
Bangladesh's capital ranked eighth among world’s most polluted cities at that time, continuing its long-standing struggle with air pollution.
According to AQI scale, a score between 101 and 150 is considered harmful to individuals with respiratory conditions, elderly and children. These sensitive groups are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
An AQI between 50 and 100 is considered “moderate,” while readings between 151 and 200 are deemed “unhealthy” for the general public. Levels between 201 and 300 are labeled “very unhealthy,” and scores above 300 fall under “hazardous” category, posing serious health risks.
Other cities that topped the list for poor air quality today include Delhi (India) with an AQI of 204, Shanghai (China) at 170 and Santiago (Chile) with 161.
AQI in Bangladesh measures five key pollutants; particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ground-level ozone.
Air pollution in Dhaka tends to worsen during the dry winter months due to dust and emissions and typically improves during the monsoon season when rainfall helps clear the air.
Globally, air pollution is a leading environmental health risk. According to World Health Organization (WHO), around seven million people die each year due to exposure to polluted air. Health impacts include stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acute respiratory infections.
Authorities and experts continue to call for sustainable urban planning, improved emission control and public awareness to address the escalating air quality crisis in Dhaka and other major cities.
