Summary:
- Dhaka ranked as the third most polluted city worldwide on December 17, 2024, with an AQI score of 264, classified as “very unhealthy.”
- India’s Delhi and Bosnia’s Sarajevo took the first and second spots with AQI scores of 519 and 286, respectively, highlighting a global air pollution crisis.
- Dhaka’s air pollution worsens in winter due to emissions from vehicles, brick kilns, construction dust, and waste burning, posing severe health risks to residents.
- The AQI measures pollution levels based on five pollutants, including PM2.5 and PM10, which are particularly harmful to respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has once again found itself grappling with alarming air pollution levels as it ranked third among the world’s most polluted cities on Tuesday morning, December 17, 2024. According to air quality monitoring data, Dhaka recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 264 at 9:00 AM, categorizing its air as “very unhealthy.” This development underscores the ongoing environmental challenges faced by one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
India’s Delhi and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Sarajevo occupied the first and second spots on the list, with AQI scores of 519 and 286, respectively. The AQI is a standardized index used globally to report daily air quality levels and their potential health effects. An AQI score between 201 and 300 is classified as “very unhealthy,” indicating that the entire population is likely to experience adverse health effects. Scores above 300 are deemed “hazardous,” posing severe risks to public health.
The AQI in Bangladesh is calculated based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃). Among these, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) poses the greatest threat due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Dhaka’s air quality typically deteriorates during the winter months when dry weather exacerbates pollution levels. The city’s primary sources of pollution include emissions from vehicles, industrial activities such as brick kilns, construction dust, and open burning of waste. Experts have noted that unregulated urban expansion and insufficient enforcement of environmental regulations have further compounded the crisis.
Environmental activists and public health experts have repeatedly called for urgent measures to address Dhaka’s air pollution problem. These include stricter enforcement of emission standards for vehicles and industries, better urban planning to reduce dust from construction sites, and initiatives to phase out polluting brick kilns. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of public awareness campaigns to encourage behavioral changes, such as reducing waste burning.
The health implications of prolonged exposure to such poor air quality are severe. Residents are at heightened risk of developing respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and other chronic illnesses. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, face even greater risks.
While Dhaka’s air quality tends to improve during the monsoon season due to rainfall washing away airborne pollutants, experts warn that long-term solutions are essential to ensure a sustainable improvement in air quality. Without decisive action from both government authorities and citizens, Dhaka’s air pollution crisis is likely to persist, endangering public health and undermining the city’s livability.
As Dhaka continues to battle this environmental challenge, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive policies and collective efforts to combat air pollution—a growing global concern that transcends borders.
Source: Newagebd
