Global Air Pollution List Dhaka ranks 2nd

Staff Reporter :

Despite having less traffic on the weekly holiday, Dhaka’s residents were not spared from air pollution as dry and cold weather increased the density of harmful dust particles in the air, keeping the capital high on the global list of polluted cities.

On Wednesday, February 4, the city’s air quality was classified as ‘very unhealthy’ according to international standards.

Data from international air quality monitoring organisation IQAir showed Dhaka’s Air Quality Index score was 259 around 10:30 am, placing it second on the list of world’s most polluted cities.

India’s capital Delhi topped the list with a score of 276, while Pakistan’s Lahore, score 224, and India’s Kolkata, score 217, ranked third and fourth respectively.

An AQI score between 201 and 300 is considered ‘very unhealthy’. Health experts have advised children, the elderly and sick individuals to remain indoors. Others have been urged to limit outdoor physical activity and wear masks when going outside.