Dhaka ranked eighth on the list of cities with the worst air quality today, registering an AQI score of 167 at 9:15 AM on March 9, 2025. The air quality was classified as ‘unhealthy’, posing a health risk to residents, according to the AQI index.

Air quality is categorized as ‘moderate’ when the AQI value is between 50 and 100, with sensitive individuals advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. An AQI score between 101 and 150 is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, while a score between 150 and 200 falls under the ‘unhealthy’ category. Scores ranging from 201 to 300 are classified as ‘very unhealthy’, and readings above 301 are deemed ‘hazardous’, indicating serious health threats.

Cities like Beijing, Delhi, and Kathmandu claimed the top spots on the list, with AQI scores of 228, 219, and 195, respectively.

The AQI index, which measures the air quality, reflects pollution levels based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.

Dhaka has been struggling with air pollution for years, with air quality typically worsening during the winter months and improving during the monsoon season.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution contributes to approximately seven million deaths globally each year, primarily from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.