Air pollution continues to rise worldwide. On Monday morning (May 25), India’s capital Delhi topped the list of the world’s most polluted major cities. Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka ranked tenth on the global pollution index.
According to international air quality monitoring company IQAir, Dhaka recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 102, which is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
Delhi topped the list with an AQI score of 193. Chile’s capital Santiago ranked second with 181, followed by Lahore, Pakistan, with 177. Kuwait City ranked fourth with 165, while Nepal’s capital Kathmandu was fifth with a score of 128.
IQAir classifies AQI scores between 0 and 50 as “good,” while 51 to 100 is considered “moderate.” Scores between 101 and 150 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with respiratory illnesses.
An AQI score between 151 and 200 is classified as “unhealthy,” while 201 to 300 is considered “very unhealthy.” In such conditions, children, elderly people, and those with health complications are advised to remain indoors, while others should limit outdoor activities. AQI levels above 300 are considered “hazardous” and pose serious health risks for everyone.
