Dhaka’s Air Quality Improves to 'Moderate'

Dhaka's air quality has shown a noticeable improvement over the last few days. While the capital's air hovered at 'unhealthy' levels last week, the situation has eased.

According to the global Air Quality Index (AQI) released at 9:38 AM on Tuesday (June 9), Dhaka ranked 18th among the world's most polluted cities with a score of 86. Under AQI criteria, a score between 51 and 100 classifies the air quality as 'moderate,' allowing Dhaka to drop lower on the pollution rankings.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Lahore topped the global list today with an AQI score of 211. Baghdad (Iraq) and Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) followed in second and third places, scoring 165 and 163, respectively.

The AQI scale uses standard health benchmarks to inform the public:

• 101 to 150 ('Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups'): Sensitive individuals are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activity.

• 151 to 200 ('Unhealthy'): Increased health effects for the general public.

• 201 to 300 ('Very Unhealthy'): Health alert issued; everyone may experience more serious health effects.

• 301+ ('Hazardous'): Health warning of emergency conditions; the entire population is likely to be seriously affected.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes an estimated seven million deaths globally each year. Prolonged exposure is a primary driver of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.