Dhaka has ranked third among cities with the worst air quality, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 169 at 9:35am on Wednesday, categorizing the air as "unhealthy," according to the AQI index.

This marks a sharp deterioration from Tuesday morning, when the capital’s AQI was at a "moderate" level of 97.

Pakistan’s Lahore topped the list with an AQI of 177, followed by China’s Wuhan (172), while the Philippines’ Manila placed fourth with a score of 162.

An AQI between 151 and 200 is considered "unhealthy," posing a serious risk, especially to people with pre-existing health conditions. Dhaka’s worsening air quality, particularly during winter, continues to be a major public health concern.

The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that air pollution causes around seven million premature deaths globally each year.

MN/