Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has once again topped the list of cities with the worst air pollution. On Friday, December 13, Dhaka recorded the highest pollution levels among 126 cities worldwide. Earlier, on Thursday morning, December 12, India’s Delhi was at the top of the list. According to international air quality monitoring organization IQAir, Dhaka’s Air Quality Index (AQI) score was 258 as of 10 a.m. Friday, which is considered “very unhealthy” for public health.
In comparison, Kolkata, India, ranked second with an AQI score of 248, while Delhi was third with a score of 208. Lahore, Pakistan, ranked fourth with a score of 197.
IQAir, a Switzerland-based organization, regularly monitors and reports on air pollution levels. Its live or real-time air quality index provides information and alerts people about how clean or polluted the air is in a specific city.
Scores between 0 and 50 on the AQI are regarded as “good,” 51 to 100 as “moderate,” and 101 to 150 as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” A score of 151–200 is considered “unhealthy,” and a score of 201–300 is considered “very unhealthy.” Children, the elderly, and those with underlying medical concerns are suggested to minimize their outside activities under such circumstances, while others are advised to stay indoors. When an AQI score falls between 301 and 400, it is considered “hazardous,” meaning that inhabitants are at serious risk for health problems.
In response to this alarming situation, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has advised everyone in Dhaka to wear masks while outdoors. Sensitive individuals are also urged to avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary.
Source: SomoyNews
