Dhaka’s Air Quality Remains Unhealthy
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, continues to face significant air quality challenges. On Friday morning, the city’s air quality remained in the ‘unhealthy’ category, as pollution levels persisted and posed health risks to its residents. According to air quality monitoring data, the city ranked 11th among cities with the worst air quality, with an AQI (Air Quality Index) score of 161 recorded at 8:15 am.
India’s Delhi, Pakistan’s Lahore, and India’s Kolkata occupied the top three positions on the list, with AQI scores of 615, 275, and 252, respectively. These figures highlight the severity of air pollution in these regions and the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies.
The AQI is a critical tool used to report daily air quality and inform people about the cleanliness or pollution level of the air in a specific city. It also helps identify potential health effects that may be of concern. The index considers several pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.
Understanding the AQI scale is essential for assessing the impact of air pollution on health. When the AQI value for particle pollution falls between 50 and 100, the air quality is considered ‘moderate,’ and sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion. Between 101 and 150, the air quality is classified as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups.’ At 150 to 200, it is labeled ‘unhealthy,’ and between 201 and 300, it is considered ‘very unhealthy.’ An AQI reading of 301 or higher is deemed ‘hazardous,’ posing serious health risks to residents.
Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, particularly during the winter months when the city’s air quality tends to deteriorate. However, the situation often improves during the monsoon season due to increased rainfall and reduced emissions from industrial activities.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for the deaths of an estimated seven million people worldwide each year. This alarming statistic is primarily attributed to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
Key Pollutants Affecting Air Quality
The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five primary pollutants:
- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5):These are tiny particles suspended in the air, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause severe health issues.
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2):Emitted mainly from vehicle exhaust and industrial processes, NO2 contributes to respiratory problems and smog formation.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO):A colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, CO can be lethal in high concentrations.
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2):Released from burning fossil fuels containing sulfur, SO2 can irritate the respiratory system and contribute to acid rain.
- Ozone:A major component of smog, ground-level ozone can cause breathing difficulties and exacerbate asthma.
Long-Term Impacts of Air Pollution
The persistent issue of air pollution in Dhaka underscores the need for comprehensive environmental policies and public awareness campaigns. Efforts to reduce emissions from vehicles, industries, and construction activities are crucial in improving air quality. Additionally, promoting the use of clean energy and implementing stricter regulations on pollution sources can help mitigate the problem.
As the city continues to grow and urbanize, addressing air pollution becomes increasingly urgent. The health of millions of residents depends on the effectiveness of these measures and the commitment of policymakers to prioritize environmental sustainability.