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DHAKA: Dhaka’s air quality has again reached an “unhealthy” level amid continued pollution from dust, smoke, harmful particles and ongoing construction activities.
According to the latest data from Swiss air quality monitoring organisation IQAir, released on Monday morning (September 28), Dhaka recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 160, ranking fourth among the world’s most polluted cities.
An AQI level between 151 and 200 is classified as “unhealthy”, meaning people may experience health effects, with children, older people and those with existing health conditions considered particularly vulnerable.
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates topped the list with an AQI score of 176, followed by Jakarta in Indonesia with 163 and Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, with 161. Kolkata in India ranked fifth with a score of 156.
According to assessments by the Department of Environment and global organisations, major sources of Dhaka’s air pollution include brick kilns, vehicle emissions and dust from uncontrolled construction activities.
Experts have warned that prolonged exposure to unhealthy air can increase the risk of serious health problems, including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory illnesses.
