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DHAKA: The capital has become relatively quieter and less congested during the long Durga Puja holiday, contributing to a slight improvement in air quality. However, despite the decline in pollution levels, Dhaka’s air remains ‘unhealthy’ for residents.
According to the air quality index published by Swiss-based air quality monitoring organisation IQAir on Friday (October 23), Dhaka ranked 16th among 126 cities worldwide with the worst air pollution.
With an AQI score of 151, Dhaka’s air quality was classified as ‘unhealthy’. Pakistan’s Lahore topped the list with a score of 398, indicating ‘hazardous’ air quality. India’s Delhi ranked second with 228, followed by Mumbai at 178. Dakar in Senegal ranked fourth with 175, while Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia stood fifth with a score of 172.
According to IQAir’s classification, an AQI score of 0–50 indicates ‘good’ air quality, while 51–100 is considered ‘moderate’. A score of 101–150 is classified as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, while 151–200 is considered ‘unhealthy’. Scores between 201 and 300 indicate ‘very unhealthy’ air quality, and readings above 300 are classified as ‘hazardous’.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is determined based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and ozone (O₃).
A March 2019 report by the Department of Environment and the World Bank identified brick kilns, vehicle emissions and dust from construction sites as the three major sources of air pollution in Dhaka.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution contributes to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. It is estimated to cause around seven million deaths worldwide each year.
Air pollution can pose greater health risks to children, older people and those with respiratory or heart conditions. They are advised to avoid spending extended periods outdoors when pollution levels are high and to wear an appropriate mask when going outside, if necessary.
