World · Bangladesh Bureau
Dhaka faces hazardous air quality conditions Friday
Air quality in Dhaka deteriorated to 'very unhealthy' levels Friday morning, posing health risks to residents across the capital. The pollution levels prompted health advisories for vulnerable populations.
LSN Bangladesh ·
Dhaka's air quality index reached hazardous levels early Friday, with measurements indicating 'very unhealthy' conditions that exceed safe exposure thresholds. The deterioration followed a pattern common during Bangladesh's winter season, when meteorological conditions trap pollutants close to ground level.
Residents reported reduced visibility and respiratory discomfort throughout the capital's densely populated areas. Air quality monitoring stations recorded pollution concentrations significantly above World Health Organization guidelines, affecting millions of people in the metropolitan region.
Health authorities recommended that vulnerable groups including children, elderly persons, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions limit outdoor activities. The advisory suggested using air purifiers indoors and wearing appropriate protective masks when venturing outside.
Experts attribute Dhaka's recurring air quality crises to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, and seasonal weather patterns. The situation typically improves with the arrival of monsoon rains and stronger wind patterns that disperse accumulated pollutants.