Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh, ranked third on the list of cities with the worst air quality, recording an AQI score of 275 at 9 am on Tuesday (Dec 31). 

The air was classified as "very unhealthy," indicating a severe health threat, according to the AQI index.

India's Delhi and China's Wuhan ranked first and second with AQI scores of 218 and 210, respectively. 

An AQI value between 201 and 300 is considered "very unhealthy," posing significant health risks to residents.

The AQI measures air quality based on pollutants like particulate matter, NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. 

Dhaka struggles with severe air pollution, particularly in winter, which typically improves during the monsoon season.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that air pollution causes an estimated seven million deaths annually, primarily due to heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory issues.

BDST: 1243 HRS, DEC 31, 2024
MN