Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, has climbed to 8th place on the list of the world’s most polluted cities. The air in the city is being considered 'unhealthy' for residents.

As of 9:30 AM today (Friday), Dhaka recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 149, posing increased health risks for the population. Based on the city’s AQI score and pollution levels, today’s air has been classified as 'unhealthy'.

Kuwait City (Kuwait), Baghdad (Iraq), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) ranked first, second, and third on the list, with AQI scores of 643, 465, and 223 respectively.

When the AQI for particulate matter ranges between 50 and 100, air quality is considered 'moderate'. An AQI between 101 and 150 is categorized as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups', during which time vulnerable individuals are advised to avoid prolonged outdoor exertion.

AQI levels between 151 and 200 are classified as 'unhealthy', 201 to 300 as 'very unhealthy', and above 300 as 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to the general population.

In Bangladesh, the AQI is determined based on five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO?), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO?), and ozone (O?).

Dhaka has long suffered from air pollution. Its air quality typically worsens during the winter and improves during the monsoon season.