Dhaka’s Air Quality Index: The Growing Pollution Threat
Khandaker Muntasir Hossain
At the moment I am writing this piece, Dhaka’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has spiked to 250 (On Mohakhali area on 11th December at 2pm).
However, we, the residents of the capital city of Bangladesh, are not surprised to see the deteriorating air quality, as no significant steps have been taken in recent years to curb pollution. At an AQI of 250, Dhaka’s air quality is classified as “Very Unhealthy,” meaning the entire population is likely to experience adverse effects.
As ‘Winter Is Coming’, we are once again under risk by one of our most persistent enemies severe air pollution. Over the past week, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has ranged from 250 to 300.
While there are many significant contributors to the deteriorating air quality in Dhaka, certain key pollutants play a dominant role in this crisis. The key pollutants measured in the AQI have distinct sources and health impacts.
PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, comes from combustion in vehicles, kilns, and industries. These particles penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. As a result it’s causing severe heart and lung diseases. PM10 (coarse particulate matter) is primarily released from construction dust.
It causes irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat. It can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Ground-level ozone can damage lung tissue and cause chronic respiratory diseases. Nitrogen dioxide is emitted from vehicles, industrial combustion, and power plants.
It causes damage to our respiratory system. Similarly, sulfur dioxide is released by burning fossil fuels in industries and power plants. It also leads to respiratory illnesses. Carbon monoxide is produced from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles.
It reduces the adverse effects our cardiovascular and nervous systems. Together, these pollutants significantly degrade air quality and pose severe health risks.
Dhaka’s air pollution during winter arises from a combination of sources that significantly degrade air quality. Unregulated construction sites release large quantities of PM10 into the air. Traffic emissions lead to elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and PM2.5.
Industries burn low-grade fuels that emit sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon. Brick kilns around Dhaka are another major source.
Those release substantial amounts of black carbon and fine particulates. Additionally, the open burning of waste adds significantly to particulate pollution and carbon monoxide levels, making Dhaka’s air quality hazardous for its residents.
Dhaka’s air quality crisis is once again a reminder of the urgent need for environmental reforms. The Adviser for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change of Bangladesh has initiated several measures to address noise pollution.
However, it is high time to prioritize air pollution as well, which is choking the city and putting the health of its residents at stake. The time to act is now—for the sake of our health, our environment, and future generations.
