Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked 22nd among cities with the worst air quality, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 83 at 10:20am on Thursday.

According to the AQI index, Dhaka’s air was classified as “moderate,” indicating a light health risk. This moderate air quality has persisted over the past few days.

The AQI measures particle pollution and other pollutants to indicate health risks. Values between 50 and 100 are considered “moderate,” with sensitive individuals advised to limit prolonged outdoor activities. Readings between 101 and 150 are “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” 151–200 is “unhealthy,” 201–300 is “very unhealthy,” and 301+ is deemed “hazardous.”

Globally, Vietnam’s Hanoi topped the list with an AQI of 174, followed by Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at 153, and Kampala, Uganda at 143.

The AQI is calculated based on five key pollutants in Bangladesh: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. It provides daily updates on air cleanliness and potential health impacts.

Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, with levels typically rising in winter and improving during the monsoon season.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes about seven million deaths globally each year, mainly due to stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

MN/