Bangladesh's capital secured the fifth position among global cities with poor air quality on Wednesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index measurement of 127. Health officials classify this reading as posing risks for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. Kinshasa leads the rankings with 173 points, followed by Riyadh at 152 and Kampala at 143. Environmental monitors track five key pollutants when calculating these scores: particulate matter in two sizes, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone.
Air quality categories range from moderate levels between 50 and 100 to hazardous conditions above 301 points. Dhaka experiences seasonal pollution patterns, with contamination peaking during winter months and decreasing when monsoon rains arrive. The World Health Organization reports that atmospheric contamination contributes to seven million deaths annually through cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and cancer. City residents face ongoing challenges from deteriorating air conditions that threaten public health across Bangladesh's most populated urban center.
Air quality categories range from moderate levels between 50 and 100 to hazardous conditions above 301 points. Dhaka experiences seasonal pollution patterns, with contamination peaking during winter months and decreasing when monsoon rains arrive. The World Health Organization reports that atmospheric contamination contributes to seven million deaths annually through cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and cancer. City residents face ongoing challenges from deteriorating air conditions that threaten public health across Bangladesh's most populated urban center.
