In a world grappling with rising air pollution levels due to climate change and other factors, both big and small cities are experiencing deteriorating air quality. Dhaka, a city long affected by severe pollution, has recently witnessed a slight improvement. According to IQAir, an international air quality technology company, Dhaka’s air quality is now categorized as moderate. On Monday, July 1st, IQAir reported that Dhaka had an AQI score of 94, indicating moderate pollution, thanks to the onset of the monsoon season. Despite this positive change, Dhaka remains the 10th most polluted city globally.
In stark contrast, the Democratic Republic of Kinshasa tops the list with a score of 193, followed by Kampala, Uganda, with a score of 162. Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Jakarta in Indonesia both have scores of 160, while Riyadh in Saudi Arabia has a score of 134. These figures highlight the severe air quality issues faced by cities around the world.
The AQI scale categorizes air quality as follows: 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 is very unhealthy, and 301 to 400 is hazardous. Currently, Dhaka’s moderate AQI score of 94 suggests that while the air quality has improved, it is still not ideal. Air pollution, caused by pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3), poses significant health risks.
Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with preexisting health conditions, are particularly at risk. Residents of highly polluted areas should take precautions, such as reducing outdoor activities, using air purifiers, and wearing masks, to mitigate health impacts. As global pollution levels continue to rise, it is crucial to stay informed and take necessary measures to protect our health. Stay informed and stay safe!