This morning, Dhaka's air quality is classified as "unhealthy for vulnerable individuals"

This morning, Dhaka's air quality was rated as "unhealthy for sensitive groups," with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 139 at 10:00 AM, placing it fifth among cities with the worst air quality globally. The top three spots were held by Lahore, Pakistan (AQI 524), Delhi, India (AQI 442), and Karachi, Pakistan (AQI 153).

An AQI score between 101 and 150 indicates air quality that is harmful to sensitive groups, while scores from 151 to 200 are considered 'unhealthy,' 201 to 300 'very unhealthy,' and 301+ 'hazardous,' posing significant health risks. The AQI measures air cleanliness or pollution levels and their potential health effects.

In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, especially during winter, though conditions tend to improve in the monsoon season. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution claims an estimated seven million lives annually, with the main causes being stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and infections.