Staff Reporter :
The capital city of Dhaka is currently grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, ranking sixth among the world’s most polluted cities.
Recent reports have indicated that the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a troubling score of 174, categorizing the air as “unhealthy.”
This alarming trend poses significant health risks to the city’s residents, highlighting an urgent need for action.
The air quality crisis in Dhaka is driven by a complex interplay of factors.
Emissions from vehicles and industrial activities are major contributors, while natural elements such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and wildfires also play significant roles.
The presence of solid and liquid particles, combined with harmful gases, creates a two-pronged public health challenge, affecting both outdoor and indoor air quality.
Outdoor air pollution in Dhaka is exacerbated by the city’s high population density and rapid urbanization.
With millions of vehicles on the roads, the exhaust from cars and trucks significantly contributes to the toxic air.
Industrial zones, often located near residential areas, add to the pollution burden, releasing various contaminants into the atmosphere.
Indoor air quality is particularly troubling, as many households rely on biomass fuels such as wood, dung, and crop residues for cooking.
This practice generates harmful pollutants, including PM2.5 and volatile organic compounds, which are especially detrimental to the health of vulnerable populations, including women and children.
Poor ventilation in many homes exacerbates the situation, allowing these pollutants to accumulate and impact the respiratory health of occupants.
A study published in The Lancet in 2019 revealed that households using biomass fuels are twice as likely to have children under five develop pneumonia.
In Bangladesh, over 75% of households still depend on solid fuels for cooking, contributing to over 94,800 deaths from indoor air pollution in 2019.
Alarmingly, the State of Global Air 2020 report found that 12% of infant deaths in the country have been linked to household air pollution.
As the air quality in Dhaka continues to deteriorate, urgent measures are needed to address both indoor and outdoor pollution.
Public health experts emphasize the importance of implementing awareness campaigns to educate residents about the health risks associated with poor air quality and the benefits of cleaner cooking fuels.
Policy interventions, such as promoting the use of cleaner energy sources and improving urban planning, are also crucial to mitigate the ongoing public health crisis.
Government officials and environmental organizations are calling for a multi-faceted approach that includes stricter emissions regulations for vehicles and industries, investment in public transportation, and initiatives to promote renewable energy.
Collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and community groups will be essential in developing effective strategies to combat air pollution.
In a broader context, Dhaka is not alone in facing air quality challenges.
Cities like Lahore, Delhi, and Wuhan occupy the top three spots on the list of the most polluted cities, with AQI scores of 650, 453, and 186 respectively.
This global issue underscores the need for international collaboration and action to combat air pollution.
As the situation in Dhaka unfolds, the health of millions hangs in the balance.
The implications of poor air quality extend beyond respiratory diseases, affecting overall well-being and economic productivity.
The urgency of prioritizing clean air initiatives and sustainable practices has never been clearer.
With proactive measures, Dhaka can pave the way for a healthier future, ensuring that its residents can breathe easier.
