Dhaka struggling to breathe in polluted air

Dhaka ranked first among the world's cities with the worst air pollution on Sunday morning. The capital's air quality index (AQI) was 251 (hazardous) at 10am.

On the second and third spot, India's Delhi had an AQI of 213, followed by Pakistan's Lahore, with an AQI of 211.

The AQI between 51 and 100 is termed 'moderate.' Pollution in this range may pose a moderate health concern for a very small number of individuals. People who are unusually sensitive to ozone or particle pollution may experience respiratory symptoms.

An AQI between 101 and 200 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants – Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone.

Air pollution has always been a problem in Dhaka. Winter is often when the air quality deteriorates, and monsoon season is when it gets better.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people per year throughout the world, primarily due to an increase in fatalities from heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and acute respiratory infections.

/KN/