Dhaka ranked 38th among cities with the worst air quality on Wednesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 64 at 10:15am. According to the AQI scale, this level is considered "moderate," posing a slight health risk, especially for sensitive individuals.

This marks the third consecutive day of moderate air in the capital. In contrast, Riyadh, Lahore, and Dubai topped the list with AQI scores of 159, 158, and 158 respectively—classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups."

The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five key pollutants, including PM10, PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. While Dhaka’s air improves during monsoon, pollution usually worsens in winter.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes around seven million deaths globally each year, linked to heart disease, stroke, lung issues, and infections.

MN/