Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka once again ranked as the most polluted city in the world on Tuesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index score of 193 at about 9:00am.

According to the latest data, India’s Delhi occupied the second position with an AQI of 165, while China’s Wuhan ranked third with a score of 158.

An AQI reading between 151 and 200 is considered ‘unhealthy’, 201 and 300 is considered ‘very unhealthy’, while 301 to 400 is classified as ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks.

Dhaka’s air quality often deteriorates due to factors such as construction activities, vehicle emissions, brick kilns and dust pollution, particularly during the dry season.

The World Health Organisation estimates that air pollution causes around seven million deaths globally each year, mainly due to stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Health experts advise residents to limit outdoor activities, wear masks when necessary and follow safety guidelines to reduce exposure during periods of poor air quality.