December 2023, Dhaka Air Quality Index Hits New High, Raises Concerns
In Dhaka, December 2023, has witnessed a significant spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI), reaching record levels and glowing concerns among environmentalists, health experts, and the general public alike. The worsening air quality poses a serious threat to public health, demanding urgent attention and comprehensive actions to address the fundamental issues.
A summary of Dhaka Air Quality Index in December 2023
Dhaka’s highest AQI recorded 288 on December 23, 2023. This level falls within the “Very unhealthy” range, posing a severe risk to public health. The lowest AQI recorded was 151 on 7th December 2023 which is an “unhealthy” AQI level.
We observed a total of 21 days in December 2023 with more than 200 AQI considered as “very unhealthy”, 10 days within the range of 151 to 200 AQI considered as “unhealthy” and none of the days was within 0 to 150 AQI range in the “good”, “moderate” and “unhealthy for sensitive group”. It is noticeable that for most of the day of the month, AQI was recorded as a higher range (source-IQAir).
Comparative Overview from October 2023 to December 2023
In December 2023, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Dhaka was pointedly high compared with the last two months. During the period 1st December 2023 to 31st December 2023, AQI recorded 21 days as “very unhealthy” and 10 days as “unhealthy”, whereas only 03 days were “very unhealthy” in the previous month.
It is remarkable that on October 23 none of the days was observed as “very unhealthy”. It shows very clearly that Dhaka’s air quality is becoming significantly polluted day by day.
In this period, the maximum AQI was 288 comparing October 177 and November 232. The minimum AQI was 152 though in October 77 and November 46. The 31-day average AQI was 217.9 in December 2023 while 152.5 was on October 23 and 172.2 was in November (source-IQAir). In this article, we will analyze day-to-day AQI data, and compare the last 3 months’ data with acceptable limits for human life.
Why Air Quality Matters
Clean air is fundamental to our well-being, impacting not only our physical health but also our overall quality of life. Poor air quality, as indicated by the AQI, can lead to numerous health issues, ranging from respiratory problems to cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, prolonged exposure to pollutants in the air has been linked to adverse effects on mental health and cognitive function (Source: Air Now).
Health Experts Sound the Alarm
Prominent health experts are voicing their concerns about the potential public health crisis looming due to the deteriorating air quality. Prolonged exposure to high levels of pollutants, such as particulate matter and ground-level ozone, can lead to respiratory infections, aggravated asthma, and other serious health issues.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections (Source: The Daily Star).
Conclusion
The significant spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI) is a clear signal that we must act together and act right now.
The impact on public health, the environment, and the well-being of future generations is too big to overlook. Individuals, communities, and governments must team up and embrace sustainable practices and policies that put clean air and a healthier society first. The most important thing is “clean air is not a privilege but a basic right for everyone”.
Reference
- Dhaka Air Quality Index (AQI) and Bangladesh Air Pollution
- Air Now
- National Weather Service
- The Daily Star
