Despite the rainfall that occurred last night, Dhaka finds itself in the unenviable position of ranking 4th on the global list of cities with the worst air quality.
At 8:45 am this morning, on May 22, 2023, the air quality index (AQI) in Dhaka stood at 156. Pakistan’s Lahore, China’s Shenyang, and Indonesia’s Jakarta claimed the top three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 198, 174, and 160, respectively.
The AQI values offer insights into the severity of air pollution. When the AQI for particle pollution falls between 101 and 150, the air quality is deemed “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” In the range of 151 to 200, it is classified as “unhealthy,” while readings between 201 and 300 are considered “very unhealthy.” A reading of 301 or higher is labeled as “hazardous,” posing severe health risks to residents.
Bangladesh employs the AQI based on five primary pollutants, namely particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and Ozone.
Unfortunately, Dhaka has been struggling with air pollution for a considerable period. It comes as no surprise that air pollution consistently ranks as one of the leading risk factors for death and disability worldwide.
