World · Bangladesh Bureau
Dhaka ranks fifth globally for poorest air quality Friday
Dhaka has been ranked among the world's five most polluted cities by air quality, according to real-time monitoring data. The capital's air quality deteriorated to hazardous levels Friday morning, posing significant health risks to residents.
LSN Bangladesh ·
The Bangladesh capital joined a concerning list of cities battling severe air pollution as atmospheric conditions worsened Friday morning. Real-time air quality indices placed Dhaka fifth globally among urban centres with the poorest air quality, reflecting the persistent environmental challenge facing the megacity of over 20 million people.
Air quality monitoring data recorded hazardous pollution levels across Dhaka's neighbourhoods, with fine particulate matter and other pollutants reaching concentrations that health experts warn can cause immediate health effects, particularly for vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
The deterioration comes amid seasonal patterns that typically see air quality decline during winter months when meteorological conditions trap pollutants closer to the ground. Environmental observers attribute the persistence of poor air quality to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, and transboundary pollution sources.
Health authorities have advised residents to limit outdoor activities, use air purifiers indoors, and wear N95 masks when venturing outside. The government has undertaken various measures to combat pollution, though experts emphasize that long-term improvements require comprehensive strategies addressing transportation, industrial emissions, and urban planning.