Dhaka has ranked second among cities with the worst air quality, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 222 at 8:50am on Saturday (Dec 28). 

This places the city in the "very unhealthy" category, posing significant health risks to residents.

According to the AQI index, air quality is deemed "moderate" between 50-100, "unhealthy for sensitive groups" between 101-150, "unhealthy" between 151-200, and "very unhealthy" from 201-300. 

A score above 301 is considered hazardous. Kabul, Afghanistan topped the list with an AQI of 228, followed by Sarajevo (Bosnia Herzegovina) at 215, and Cairo (Egypt) at 214.

Dhaka’s air quality remains a concern, especially during winter months. 

The city's pollution levels are measured across five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. 

Air pollution is a leading cause of death globally, responsible for around seven million deaths annually, according to the WHO.

BDST: 1314 HRS, DEC 28, 2024
MN