Dhaka's Air Quality Remains in ‘Moderate’ Zone

Dhaka no longer has the dirtiest air in the entire globe. Dhaka was given a score of 70 on the air quality index (AQI) at 9:25 am, placing it as the 26th worst city in the world.

Good air quality is defined as having a "moderate" AQI of 50 to 100. However, a very small percentage of people who are extremely sensitive to air pollution can experience a slight health issue.

South Africa's Johannesburg, the United Arab Emirates’ Dubai, India's Delhi and Washington, D.C. of USA occupied the first fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 194, 163, 148 and 139, respectively.

AQI between 101 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy', particularly for sensitive groups.

Similarly, an AQI between 201 and 300 is said to be 'poor', while a reading of 300+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.

In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants -- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone.

Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.

Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year.