Dhaka, today (Jan 5), ranked as the world’s most polluted city with a "hazardous" AQI score of 358 at 8:55am, posing serious risks to respiratory and heart health.

Other cities with high pollution levels included Baghdad (352), Hanoi (219), and Karachi (200). 

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), values above 301 are classified as "hazardous," while scores between 201 and 300 are deemed "very unhealthy."

Dhaka's air quality is often worst during the winter months and improves during the rainy season. 

The AQI is determined by levels of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.

The WHO links air pollution to 7 million deaths annually, with major health risks including stroke, heart disease, COPD, lung cancer, and respiratory infections.

BDST: 1220 HRS, JAN 05, 2024
MN/SMS