Dhaka's Air Turns Unhealthy Again: Morning Update

Dhaka, May 7 -- As per today’s data (May 7, 2025), at 9:35 am, Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, stands as number three on the list of urban areas suffering from poor air quality, recording an AQI index of 169.

Today's air was classified as 'unhealthy,' referring to a severe health threat, according to the AQI index.

Though the Dhaka's air quality was 'moderate' with AQI score 97 yesterday morning (Tuesday), a day after it again turned into 'unhealthy'.

If the Air Quality Index (AQI) level for particulate matter ranges from 50 to 100, the air quality is categorized as ‘Moderate’. Individuals who are more susceptible might want to avoid extended periods of strenuous activity outdoors. When the index falls within 101 to 150, it’s labeled as ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’, indicating that those particularly vulnerable should take precautions. An AQI between 150 and 200 is deemed ‘Unhealthy’; at this stage, everyone could experience adverse effects with prolonged exposure. For readings between 201 and 300, the situation escalates to being classified as ‘Very Unhealthy’, signaling significant harm to all inhabitants' well-being. Finally, an AQI reaching above 300 denotes conditions described as ‘Hazardous,’ presenting severe threats to public health.

In descending order, Pakistan’s Lahore, China’s Wuhan, and the Philippines’ Manila secured the top three positions on the list, with their respective Air Quality Index (AQI) scores being 177, 172, and 162.

Dhaka's air quality 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' this morning

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a metric used to report the cleanliness or pollution level of the air in a specific city, along with indicating potential health impacts that individuals should be aware of.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Bangladesh takes into account five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.

Dhaka has frequently faced challenges related to air pollution. The city’s air quality typically becomes unhealthy during the winter months but tends to improve when the monsoon arrives.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately seven million individuals globally succumb annually to the effects of air pollution, largely because of heightened risks from strokes, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.