Dhaka was ranked 19th among cities with the worst air quality on Monday morning (September 15, 2025), recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 81 at 9:50 am. According to the AQI scale, this places the capital’s air in the ‘moderate’ category, indicating a light threat to health.

An AQI score between 50 and 100 suggests that air quality is acceptable, though individuals with heightened sensitivities may consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion. For context, AQI scores between 101 and 150 are considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, 151–200 is ‘unhealthy’, 201–300 is ‘very unhealthy’, and any score above 301 is deemed ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks.

Leading the global list of cities with the poorest air this morning were Lahore (Pakistan) with an AQI of 167, Manila (Philippines) at 153, and Kampala (Uganda) with 127 — all categorized as either ‘unhealthy’ or worse.

The AQI measures air quality based on five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO?), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO?), and ozone.

Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, particularly in the dry winter months, when levels of fine particulate matter often soar. The monsoon season typically brings some respite due to frequent rainfall and improved atmospheric dispersion.

Globally, air pollution remains one of the leading environmental health risks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated seven million people die each year due to exposure to polluted air, with links to stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory conditions, lung cancer, and acute infections.