Air pollution poses growing health threat despite brief progress
Staff Reporter :
While the capital’s air quality turned “moderate” on Friday morning with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 93, health experts warn that the recurring poor air conditions pose significant health risks to the city’s residents, particularly vulnerable groups.
According to the AQI reading at 9:30am, Dhaka ranked 17th among cities with the worst air quality globally, showing a brief reprieve from the “unhealthy” levels experienced over the past few days. However, the marginal improvement does little to ease long-term public health concerns.
An AQI value between 50 and 100 is categorized as “moderate,” indicating that while the air quality is acceptable, there may still be a risk for sensitive individuals. Those with respiratory illnesses, children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing heart or lung conditions are particularly susceptible.
Health professionals emphasize that sustained exposure to air pollutants-especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)-can cause or aggravate a host of conditions. “We see a significant rise in respiratory infections, asthma attacks, and even cardiovascular issues during periods of high pollution,” said Dr. Rasheda Parveen, a pulmonologist at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. “Even when the AQI is in the moderate range, people with underlying conditions need to take precautions.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that air pollution is a leading environmental risk to health, causing an estimated seven million premature deaths globally each year. These deaths are linked to diseases such as stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
In Dhaka, the problem becomes especially severe in winter due to increased emissions, dry weather, and thermal inversion that traps pollutants close to the ground. The situation typically improves during the monsoon, thanks to rainfall that helps wash away pollutants.
The Bangladesh AQI is based on five pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ground-level ozone. Among these, PM2.5 poses the greatest risk as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
Environmental activists urge immediate government action, calling for stricter regulation of construction dust, vehicle emissions, and industrial pollutants. Meanwhile, health experts recommend wearing protective masks, limiting outdoor activities during high pollution periods, and using air purifiers indoors when possible.
As cities like Delhi, Cairo, and Kathmandu continue to top the list of the most polluted urban areas, Dhaka’s struggle with toxic air reflects a broader crisis in urban environmental health across South Asia.
