Dhaka’s air quality remains ‘moderate’ amid monsoon influence

NN Online:
Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, recorded a moderate air quality level on Tuesday morning (July 8, 2025), placing 39th among the world’s most polluted cities with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 64 at 9:20 am.

According to the AQI index, a score between 51 and 100 is considered ‘moderate,’ posing a minor health risk for sensitive individuals. The ongoing monsoon season has helped maintain this level, offering some relief from the typically high pollution levels in the city.

An AQI reading between 101 and 150 is categorized as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ while scores between 151–200 indicate ‘unhealthy’ air. Values between 201–300 are deemed ‘very unhealthy,’ and anything above 301 is considered ‘hazardous,’ carrying significant health risks.

On the global list, Cairo (Egypt), Dubai (UAE), and Kampala (Uganda) topped the ranking with AQI scores of 160, 158, and 151 respectively.

The AQI, which reflects daily air quality, is designed to help the public understand how polluted the air is and what potential health effects it may pose. In Bangladesh, the AQI takes into account five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.

Dhaka has consistently struggled with poor air quality, especially in the dry winter months. However, air quality typically improves during the monsoon due to increased rainfall and wind patterns.

Globally, air pollution remains a critical health issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it causes approximately seven million deaths each year, mainly from heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, and acute infections.