Dhaka 5th most polluted city on Friday morning

The air was classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups”, meaning air quality is poor enough to affect vulnerable people, such as those with respiratory problems, children and the elderly, although the general public is unlikely to be severely affected, according to the AQI scale.

According to the latest AQI data, Chile’s Santiago topped the list with a score of 160, followed by India’s Delhi in second place with 143.

Uganda’s Kampala ranked third with an AQI reading of 142, indicating unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.

Dhaka’s AQI level of 127 placed it in the same category, meaning people with respiratory conditions may experience breathing discomfort and other health effects.

The AQI is an index used to report daily air quality and indicates how clean or polluted the air is, along with associated health risks.

Air pollution in Dhaka remains a persistent problem, particularly during the dry season, driven by construction activities, brick kilns, vehicle emissions and dust.

Health experts advise residents to limit prolonged outdoor activities and use protective masks during periods of poor air quality, reports UNB.