Dhaka’s air ‘unhealthy’ since Tuesday early morning

DHAKA: Dhaka ranked ninth among the world’s most polluted major cities on Tuesday morning, as air pollution continued to pose health risks to residents.

According to live global air quality rankings, the capital held the ninth position between 6am and 8am on October 13, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 153.

Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, topped the list with an AQI score of 252. Pakistan’s Lahore ranked second with a score of 198, followed by Singapore at 191.

According to AQI standards, a score between 151 and 200 is considered ‘unhealthy’, posing health risks to the general population, particularly sensitive groups.

Air pollution in Dhaka is driven by factors including dust from construction activities, vehicle emissions and inadequate dust-control measures. The deteriorating air quality can aggravate breathing difficulties, allergies and lung-related conditions, particularly among vulnerable people.

Addressing the problem requires sustained measures to control pollution sources and enforce long-term environmental policies to ensure cleaner air and a healthier urban environment.