Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, recorded the worst air quality in the world on Friday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 157 at 10:10 AM.
The air was categorized as ‘unhealthy’, posing potential health risks to general population, according to international AQI scale.
Despite it being the weekend and city traffic lighter than usual, air quality sharply deteriorated, underlining the persistent air pollution crisis in the capital.
When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
Following Dhaka on the global list of cities with the worst air quality were Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) with an AQI of 153, Lahore (Pakistan) at 152 and Manama (Bahrain) with a score of 143.
The AQI in Bangladesh is determined by monitoring five key pollutants; particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ground-level ozone.
Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, with the problem intensifying during the dry winter months and easing slightly during the monsoon season.
Globally, air pollution is a leading environmental health risk. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it causes an estimated seven million deaths annually, primarily due to heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory conditions, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
SH
