Dhaka’s Air: 8th Worst Globally

Dhaka, Bangladesh – March 27 – The air quality in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, plunged to unhealthy levels on Friday morning, placing it among the top ten most polluted cities globally. At 08:45 AM, the city registered an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 151, a reading that signifies “unhealthy” conditions for its residents, according to real-time air quality monitoring data.

This alarming figure highlights the persistent challenge of air pollution that Dhaka, like many megacities, continues to confront. The AQI scale categorizes air quality based on pollutant levels, with a score between 151 and 200 indicating unhealthy air, a state where all individuals may start experiencing adverse health effects, and those belonging to sensitive groups are at a significantly higher risk of serious health issues.

Globally, the ranking of cities with the worst air quality on Friday morning saw Chiang Mai in Thailand at the apex with an AQI of 194. Following closely were Kathmandu, Nepal, and Seoul, South Korea, both recording an AQI of 173. Dhaka’s position at eighth place underscores the critical need for immediate and effective interventions to mitigate air pollution.

Understanding Air Quality Index (AQI)

The AQI is a standardized system designed to inform the public about the level of air pollution and its potential health impacts. It provides a daily assessment of air cleanliness, translating complex pollution data into an easily understandable numerical scale. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for approximately seven million premature deaths annually worldwide, contributing to a range of severe health conditions including stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

The AQI classification system provides specific health guidance based on pollutant concentrations:

• 0-50: Good – Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
• 51-100: Moderate – Air quality is acceptable; however, for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution, there may be a moderate health concern.
• 101-150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups – Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
• 151-200: Unhealthy – Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups will be at greater risk.
• 201-300: Very Unhealthy – Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.
• 301+: Hazardous – Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.

In Bangladesh, the AQI calculation considers five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.

Dhaka’s Persistent Air Quality Challenge

Dhaka has a well-documented history of struggling with severe air pollution. Typically, the city’s air quality deteriorates significantly during the winter months, often exacerbated by factors such as industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, dust from construction sites, and brick kilns. As the monsoon season approaches, improved weather patterns, including rain and stronger winds, usually lead to a temporary improvement in air quality. However, the recurring nature of this problem indicates underlying systemic issues that require sustained attention and comprehensive solutions.

The “unhealthy” designation on Friday morning serves as a stark reminder that the air quality in Dhaka is a critical public health concern. Prolonged exposure to such polluted air can lead to a range of respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Addressing the Root Causes

Tackling Dhaka’s air pollution necessitates a multi-pronged approach. This includes:

• Stricter Emission Standards: Implementing and enforcing more stringent emission standards for industries and vehicles.
• Promoting Public Transportation: Encouraging the use of public transport and investing in cleaner transportation options.
• Controlling Construction Dust: Implementing measures to control dust generated from ongoing construction projects.
• Regulating Brick Kilns: Promoting cleaner technologies for brick production.
• Increasing Green Spaces: Expanding and maintaining green spaces within the city to help filter pollutants.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the health risks of air pollution and promoting behavioral changes.

The recurring poor air quality in Dhaka is not merely an environmental issue; it is a significant public health crisis that demands urgent and collaborative action from government agencies, industries, and citizens alike.