Dhaka Tops Global Air Pollution List; Breathing Becomes a Struggle
According to data from IQAir, an international air quality monitoring organization, Dhaka's Air Quality Index (AQI) score was 271 at 9:30 AM on Thursday, January 15. This score classifies the capital's air as 'very unhealthy.' Consequently, Dhaka has earned the title of the most polluted city in the world.
At the same time, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan ranked second with a score of 215, while Karachi in Pakistan followed in third with a score of 208. Experts warn that the air quality in all three cities poses severe health risks to their citizens.
According to IQAir standards, an AQI score of 0–50 is considered 'good,' 51–100 is 'moderate,' 101–150 is 'unhealthy for sensitive groups,' 151–200 is 'unhealthy,' and 201–300 is classified as 'very unhealthy.' In these conditions, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with respiratory issues are advised to stay indoors, while others are encouraged to limit outdoor activities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that air pollution causes approximately 7 million deaths globally each year. It significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
