Dhaka Ranks Fifth for Most Polluted Air on Saturday Morning
Published on: October 29, 2023.
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Dhaka Ranks Fifth in Global Air Quality Index with AQI of 171
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has been ranked fifth on the global list of cities with the worst air quality. At 9:03 am on Saturday, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 171, categorizing its air as ‘unhealthy’. The AQI provides information about the cleanliness or pollution levels in the air and the associated health risks.
When the AQI value for particle pollution falls between 101 and 150, the air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’. If the value is between 150 and 200, it is classified as ‘unhealthy’. A reading of 201 to 300 is categorized as ‘very unhealthy’, while anything above 301 is deemed ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks to residents.
The cities ranking above Dhaka on the list are Lahore in Pakistan, Delhi in India, and Wuhan in China. Lahore had the highest AQI score of 365, followed by Delhi with 279, and Wuhan with 192.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is determined by measuring five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has been struggling with air pollution for a long time. The air quality typically worsens during winter and improves during the monsoon season.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for approximately seven million deaths worldwide each year. The main causes of mortality linked to air pollution include stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
Improving air quality is crucial for the wellbeing and health of residents. Measures to address air pollution, such as reducing emissions, promoting sustainable transportation, and implementing stricter regulations, are necessary to combat this pressing issue.
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[Source](https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd)
