United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka's air quality remained unhealthy on Monday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 162 at 8:40 am. With this score, the capital ranked 6th among the world's most polluted cities. Pakistan's Lahore, India's Kolkata and Delhi occupied the top three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 501, 192 and 187 respectively. Earlier, at 8:40 am on Sunday, the city ranked 4th among the world's most polluted cities, recording an AQI score of 165. An AQI score between 50 and 100 is considered "moderate" with acceptable air quality, while one between 101 and 150 is considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups," and a score between 151 and 200 is classified as "unhealthy." AQI readings between 201 and 300 are termed "very unhealthy," and anything above 301 is considered "hazardous," posing serious health risks. The AQI is a daily indicator of air quality, showing how clean or polluted the air is and the possible health effects people may experience. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone.

A thick, toxic haze enveloped New Delhi on Sunday morning as air quality plunged into the severe category. The sharp deterioration followed widespread overnight firecracker celebrations during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, pushing the overall Air Quality Index to a hazardous 483, with multiple locations across the capital recording readings above 400, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The spike came just two days after authorities enforced Stage III emergency measures to combat anticipated post-festival smog, which is causing severe visibility issues and respiratory distress. The air quality crisis stems from a combination of seasonal factors, including low wind speeds, winter moisture, and stubble burning in neighboring states, which significantly increases fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10). Compounded by year-round vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and construction dust, New Delhi continues to rank among the world's most polluted capital cities.

Dhaka ranked fourth among cities with the worst air quality in the world on Sunday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 182 at 8:34am. The city's air quality was classified as 'unhealthy', according to the global air quality and pollution ranking. Pakistan's Lahore topped the list with an AQI score of 291, followed by India's Delhi with 222 and India's Kolkata with 216. An AQI between 151 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy' while 201-300 is 'very unhealthy' and 301-400 is considered 'hazardous', posing severe health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.

As millions of people across South Asia, particularly in northern India, prepare to celebrate Diwali, concerns are growing over worsening air pollution as the festival coincides with the onset of hazardous winter air conditions. Winter also brings severe smog to parts of Pakistan and China, where warmer air above colder layers traps pollutants close to the ground. In eastern Europe, coal and wood burning for household heating further contribute to seasonal pollution. Meanwhile, countries in the Western Hemisphere face their own air quality challenges as summer wildfires spread smoke across large areas of the United States and Canada. Experts say people can reduce their exposure to harmful pollutants, regardless of where they live, by taking simple precautions such as monitoring air quality levels, wearing properly fitted masks and using indoor air purifiers. An estimated one billion people worldwide celebrate Diwali, a festival observed by Hindus and Jains and rooted in ancient epics such as the Ramayana. However, the traditional use of fireworks during the festival, which begins Sunday, can further worsen already polluted air and increase health risks. As the festival approaches, here are some practical ways to protect yourself from polluted air. Check air quality before going outdoorsFireworks contribute an additional surge of pollution to an already serious air quality problem. Across India, Pakistan and other parts of South Asia, vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, crop-residue burning and waste disposal are major sources of air pollution. Weak winds and stagnant winter conditions allow pollutants to accumulate near the ground. "Poor air quality is our all-year-round problem in our country," said Shweta Narayan, a public health expert at the Global Climate and Health Alliance, adding that firecrackers make the situation worse. India uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to translate pollution measurements into health warnings. An AQI reading of 201–300 indicates "poor" air quality, 301–400 means "very poor," while readings between 401 and 500 are classified as "severe." At severe levels, pollution can affect even healthy individuals. Experts recommend checking pollution levels through government or private monitoring websites before going outside. People should look for readings from nearby monitoring stations and check when the information was last updated, as citywide averages may not reflect conditions in individual neighbourhoods. The situation is particularly alarming in Delhi, where average fine particulate pollution last year was around 19 times higher than the World Health Organization's annual guideline. Air quality monitoring stations have also repeatedly recorded readings beyond their maximum display limits in recent years. Authorities have introduced temporary restrictions on construction activities, industrial operations and vehicles to tackle the problem. However, public health experts say such measures often fail to address the underlying causes of pollution. The city, home to more than 20 million people, is also pursuing a long-term strategy to encourage the use of electric vehicles. Ensure your mask fits properlyDr Arvind Kumar, a chest surgeon at Medanta Hospital near Delhi and founding trustee of the Lung Care Foundation, recommends wearing properly fitted N95 or N99 masks outdoors when pollution levels are high. These masks are available at pharmacies, hardware stores and online outlets. N95 masks are designed to filter at least 95 per cent of airborne particles, while N99 masks can filter at least 99 per cent. However, these respirators do not protect against harmful gases. For effective protection, a mask should cover the nose, mouth and chin. Users should adjust the nose clip and check the seal every time they wear it. Facial hair can interfere with a proper seal. The objective, Kumar said, is to ensure that "all the breathing is through the mask and not around the mask." Disposable masks should be replaced when they become dirty, damaged or difficult to breathe through. Masks should never be placed on children under two years of age. People suffering from heart or lung diseases should consult a doctor before using them. Loose surgical masks, cloth masks and scarves do not provide reliable protection against fine particulate pollution. Kumar warned that exposure to polluted air can cause persistent coughing, inflammation of the airways and asthma-like attacks. He also pointed to increased risks of pneumonia, heart attacks and strokes, while prolonged exposure can affect lung development in children and increase the risk of lung cancer. He advised people to avoid strenuous outdoor activities during periods of heavy pollution, particularly in the early morning when pollutant concentrations can also be high. Choose an air purifier suitable for your roomUsing an appropriate air purifier indoors can help reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. These devices draw in surrounding air, filter out contaminants and circulate cleaner air back into the room. However, the purifier must have sufficient capacity to clean the space where it is being used. Experts recommend choosing a device equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and checking its Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which measures the volume of filtered air supplied by the machine. The purifier should be placed in areas where people spend most of their time, particularly bedrooms. Its airflow should remain unobstructed, and the device should be operated consistently. HEPA filters capture airborne particles, while sufficiently large activated-carbon filters can help remove certain gases. However, no air purifier can eliminate every type of pollutant. People should also avoid devices that intentionally generate ozone, as the gas can irritate the lungs. Kumar said cleaner indoor air can reduce exposure to pollutants, but air purifiers cannot completely eliminate the health risks associated with pollution. Celebrate Diwali with less smokeKumar advised people to avoid burning incense sticks, mosquito coils and candles, as these can release particles that remain indoors for hours, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces. Pollution from fireworks can also linger overnight, depending on weather conditions. When large numbers of households set off firecrackers simultaneously, the combined emissions can significantly worsen air quality across neighbourhoods and entire cities, affecting even those who do not participate in the celebrations. Using electric lights is a safer alternative for celebrating Diwali, as they do not produce the smoke and toxic gases associated with firecrackers. "If one wants to celebrate and really enjoy the festival of Diwali, avoid bursting firecrackers," said Narayan. India's Health Ministry also recommends limiting smoke from cooking and using kitchen exhaust systems that release fumes outdoors. Damp-mopping floors and wiping dusty surfaces instead of dry sweeping can help prevent dust particles from becoming airborne and further worsening indoor air quality. Personal precautions are not enoughExperts caution that individual precautions have limitations. People who depend on outdoor work for their livelihoods cannot simply remain indoors to avoid pollution. Similarly, many low-income families cannot afford air purifiers. Narayan stressed the need for sustained government action to tackle major sources of pollution and ensure affordable healthcare for people already suffering from pollution-related illnesses. While masks and air filters can help reduce exposure, she said lasting protection depends on governments taking effective measures to improve air quality. "It's our responsibility to hold our governments accountable," Narayan said. "There's no other way about it."

Dhaka's air quality turned ‘very unhealthy’ on Friday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 203 at 8:40am. With this score, the capital ranked fourth among the world's most polluted cities, according to the AQI scale. A ‘very unhealthy’ air quality level means everyone, regardless of their health condition, may experience more serious health effects or discomfort from air pollution. Even short-term exposure can affect anyone. Pakistan's Lahore topped the list with an AQI score of 456, followed by India's Delhi with 251 and Kolkata with 221. On Thursday, Dhaka ranked fifth among the world's most polluted cities, recording an AQI score of 174 at 10:25am. According to the AQI scale, readings of 101-150 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, while scores of 151-200 indicate unhealthy air quality. Readings of 201-300 are classified as very unhealthy, while scores above 301 are considered hazardous and pose serious health risks. The AQI measures daily air quality and indicates pollution levels and their potential effects on public health. In Bangladesh, air quality is assessed based on five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ozone. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution causes around seven million deaths worldwide each year, mainly from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka ranked 5th among the world's most polluted cities on Thursday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 174 at 10:25am. The air quality was classified as ‘unhealthy’, meaning the concentration of pollutants in the air had reached a level that could pose health risks to the general population, according to the AQI scale. Pakistan's Lahore topped the list with an AQI score of 355, followed by India's Delhi at 271 and Kolkata at 208. According to the AQI scale, readings of 101-150 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, while scores of 151-200 indicate unhealthy air quality. Readings of 201-300 are classified as very unhealthy, and scores above 301 are considered hazardous, posing serious health risks. The AQI measures daily air quality and indicates pollution levels and their potential effects on public health. In Bangladesh, air quality is assessed based on five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ozone. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution causes around seven million deaths worldwide each year, primarily from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka ranked 7th among the world's most polluted cities on Wednesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 154 at 10:30am. The air quality was classified as ‘unhealthy’, meaning the concentration of pollutants in the air had reached a level that could pose health risks to the general population, according to the AQI scale. Pakistan's Lahore topped the list with an AQI score of 400, followed by India's Delhi at 237 and Pakistan's Karachi at 178. According to the AQI scale, readings of 101-150 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, while scores of 151-200 indicate unhealthy air quality. Readings of 201-300 are classified as very unhealthy, and scores above 301 are considered hazardous, posing serious health risks. The AQI measures daily air quality and indicates pollution levels and their potential effects on public health. In Bangladesh, air quality is assessed based on five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ozone. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution causes around seven million deaths worldwide each year, primarily from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka ranked 9th among the world's most polluted cities on Tuesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 152 at 10:45am. The air quality was classified as ‘unhealthy’, meaning the concentration of pollutants in the air had reached a level that could pose health risks to the general population, according to the AQI scale. Pakistan's Lahore topped the list with an AQI score of 448, followed by India's Delhi at 215 and India's Kolkata at 185. According to the AQI scale, readings of 101-150 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, while scores of 151-200 indicate unhealthy air quality. Readings of 201-300 are classified as very unhealthy, and scores above 301 are considered hazardous, posing serious health risks. The AQI measures daily air quality and indicates pollution levels and their potential effects on public health. In Bangladesh, air quality is assessed based on five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ozone. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution causes around seven million deaths worldwide each year, primarily from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining southwest Bay moved northwestwards . The storm is likely to move further northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast of India by tonight as a Severe Cyclonic Storm, the BMD said in a special bulletin issued on Monday morning. It was centred near latitude 14.0°N and longitude 81.8°E at 6am on Monday, it said. At the time, the storm was about 1,440 km southwest of Chattogram, 1,400 km southwest of Cox's Bazar, 1,275 km southwest of Mongla and 1,295 km southwest of Payra port, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). The maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the storm's centre is about 89 kmph, rising to 117 kmph in gusts or squalls. The sea is likely to remain rough near the storm's centre. The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal No. 2 (R) 2. All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.

Dhaka ranked fourth among cities with the worst air quality in the world on Monday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 165 at 10:20am. The city's air quality was classified as 'unhealthy', according to the global air quality and pollution ranking. Pakistan's Lahore topped the list with an AQI score of 535, followed by India's Delhi with 199 and Egypt's Cairo with 186. An AQI between 151 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy' while 201-300 is 'very unhealthy' and 301-400 is considered 'hazardous', posing severe health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.