Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, recorded a moderate level of air pollution on Friday morning.
With an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 76 at 8:25 AM, the city ranked 27th among the world’s most polluted cities, according to air quality monitoring data.
At that time, Lahore in Pakistan topped the list with an alarming AQI of 443, followed by Delhi in India at 176 and Kuwait City at 168.
An AQI reading between 51 and 100 is considered moderate, meaning the air quality is generally acceptable; however, sensitive individuals are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activity. Readings between 101 and 150 indicate air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 is unhealthy, 201–300 is very unhealthy and anything above 301 is deemed hazardous, posing severe health risks.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures the level of air pollution and its potential impact on human health.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is determined based on five major pollutants; particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃).
Dhaka has long struggled with severe air pollution, with its air quality typically deteriorating during the dry winter months and improving during the monsoon season.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for an estimated seven million deaths globally each year, primarily due to increased risks of stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
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