Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked 32nd on the list of cities with the worst air quality on Sunday, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 62 at 9:51am.

According to the AQI scale, Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘moderate,’ indicating a light health risk. Sensitive individuals are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. AQI readings above 100 are considered increasingly unhealthy, with values above 300 deemed ‘hazardous.’

Globally, Cairo, Kinshasa, and Lahore topped the list with AQI scores of 157, 144, and 140, respectively. The index tracks daily air quality and its potential health impacts based on pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.

Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, which worsens in winter and improves during the monsoon. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution causes an estimated seven million deaths worldwide each year.

MN/