Dhaka in World's Top Five for Polluted Air with 'Unhealthy' AQI Score of 171

With the concentration of harmful dust particles in the air rising, Dhaka remains in the top five of the world's polluted cities today as well. According to international standards, the capital's air quality on Sunday was marked as 'unhealthy', a matter of concern for city residents' health.

According to data from IQAir, the international air quality monitoring organisation, at around 9:30am on Sunday, 25 October, Dhaka's air quality index — its AQI score — was 171. With this score, the megacity stood fifth in the list of the world's polluted cities.

At the same time, the Malaysian city of Kuching was at the top of the list with a score of 210. India's Mumbai was second with a score of 191. Pakistan's Lahore was third with 180, and India's Kolkata was fourth with 178.

The other cities in the top ten for polluted air had scores between 144 and 210. Dhaka's position is therefore worrying not only in regional comparison but in global comparison as well.

It is important to know how to read this air quality index. According to the international index, an AQI score of zero to 50 is considered 'good'. A score of 51 to 100 is called 'moderate'.

A score between 101 and 150 is counted as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups'. In other words, while there may be no immediate major risk for the general public, it can be harmful for children, the elderly and the sick.

Dhaka's score of 171 today has crossed that limit. A score of 151 to 200 is generally considered 'unhealthy' for everyone — meaning breathing this air creates health risks not only for sensitive groups but for all.

The steps above that are even more severe. An AQI score between 201 and 300 is 'very unhealthy', and reaching between 301 and 400 is marked as 'hazardous'.

In such conditions, health experts generally advise children, the elderly and sick people to stay indoors. Others are also told to limit outdoor activities, so that exposure to polluted air can be reduced as much as possible.

This picture of Dhaka's air is not new — the capital's name repeatedly rises towards the top of polluted city lists. Every time, questions are raised about how effective the steps are to control pollution from construction dust, vehicle smoke and various sources of city life.

For today at least, personal caution is the biggest tool in city residents' hands. Using a mask when going out, avoiding unnecessary outdoor exertion and taking extra care of children and the elderly can reduce, at least somewhat, the risk from this 'unhealthy' air.