Staff Reporter :
Dhaka’s air quality deteriorated to “very unhealthy” levels on Monday amid winter dryness that spikes dust and pollutants, placing the capital third on IQAir’s list of the world’s 127 most polluted cities.
The Switzerland-based monitor recorded Dhaka’s AQI at 232 at 8:30am Monday, behind Delhi’s top score of 274. Others in the top five: Egypt’s Cairo (235), India’s Kolkata (210), and Vietnam’s Hanoi (191). Worst-hit local spots include Goran, South Pallabi, Eastern Housing, Kalyanpur, and Dhaka University.
AQI readings of 201-300 signal “very unhealthy” conditions, posing serious risks especially to sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.
Experts note that lower winter temperatures and higher humidity keep fine particles suspended low, worsening pollution despite monsoon improvements.
Residents are urged to stay cautious, limit outdoor activity, and protect vulnerable individuals.
Fine PM2.5 particles-smaller than 2.5 micrometres-drive the crisis, infiltrating deep into lungs and bloodstream to raise risks of asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease. Culprits include winter weather trapping emissions, unchecked vehicle and industrial exhaust, construction dust, and nearby brick kilns.
Globally, fossil fuel pollution kills 5.2 million yearly, per a 2023 BMJ study.
