Kabul Tops Air Pollution Index; What is Dhaka's Position Among 'Unhealthy' Air Cities?
The problem of air pollution is becoming increasingly acute globally due to the adverse effects of climate change. Megacity Dhaka has also been struggling with the burden of polluted air for a long time. Although Dhaka's skies briefly cleared thanks to recent rains, the air quality has once again deteriorated to an 'Unhealthy' level. The alarming picture of the world's most polluted cities was revealed in data published by the international air quality technology firm IQAir on Monday morning (January 5th).
Kabul at the Peak of Pollution; Where Does Dhaka Stand?According to IQAir's live monitoring index, the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, has captured the top spot among the world's most polluted cities today with a score of 206, indicating 'Very Unhealthy' air quality. India's Delhi stands second with a score of 183, followed by Shanghai, China, in third place with 177. Meanwhile, the capital city Dhaka is positioned 11th on the list with a score of 158. Although not in the top ten, Dhaka's air quality is still classified as 'Unhealthy'.
Variation in Air Quality and PrecautionsAccording to the Air Quality Index (AQI), a score between 0 and 50 is considered 'Good'. Scores between 51 and 100 are 'Moderate', and 101 to 150 is 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups'. However, when the score ranges from 151 to 200, it is deemed 'Unhealthy' for everyone. Dhaka's current score falls within this range. In this situation, experts advise that children, the elderly, and patients suffering from respiratory distress should take special precautions before venturing outdoors.
Air Pollution: More Dangerous Than a PandemicAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is a silent killer. Approximately 7 million people worldwide die annually due to air pollution-related causes. The fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in polluted air significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and severe respiratory infections. Therefore, awareness is essential to combat this 'invisible enemy'.
Kabul at the Peak of Pollution; Where Does Dhaka Stand?According to IQAir's live monitoring index, the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, has captured the top spot among the world's most polluted cities today with a score of 206, indicating 'Very Unhealthy' air quality. India's Delhi stands second with a score of 183, followed by Shanghai, China, in third place with 177. Meanwhile, the capital city Dhaka is positioned 11th on the list with a score of 158. Although not in the top ten, Dhaka's air quality is still classified as 'Unhealthy'.
Variation in Air Quality and PrecautionsAccording to the Air Quality Index (AQI), a score between 0 and 50 is considered 'Good'. Scores between 51 and 100 are 'Moderate', and 101 to 150 is 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups'. However, when the score ranges from 151 to 200, it is deemed 'Unhealthy' for everyone. Dhaka's current score falls within this range. In this situation, experts advise that children, the elderly, and patients suffering from respiratory distress should take special precautions before venturing outdoors.
Air Pollution: More Dangerous Than a PandemicAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is a silent killer. Approximately 7 million people worldwide die annually due to air pollution-related causes. The fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in polluted air significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and severe respiratory infections. Therefore, awareness is essential to combat this 'invisible enemy'.
