Dhaka's Air Still Unhealthy Today, Among World's Most Polluted Cities

shaplanews.com

Dhaka, 15 November

Even before winter arrives, Dhaka's air has turned dangerously bad again. From this morning, Sunday, Dhaka's sky was covered in smog. In the morning, many areas looked foggy, but actually it was not fog, it was smog from air pollution. This morning, Dhaka's Air Quality Index (AQI) was 183, which falls in the 'Unhealthy' category. In this condition, even healthy people may suffer from breathing difficulty, eye irritation and headache.

According to global air pollution monitoring organisations, Dhaka is still among the top most polluted cities in the world today. The most dominant pollutant in Dhaka's air is now PM2.5, extremely tiny dust particles. These particles are so small that they can enter the lungs through the nose and mix directly into the blood. As a result, the risk of asthma, bronchitis, heart disease and lung cancer increases.

Experts say there are three main causes of air pollution in Dhaka. First, dust flying from construction work and road digging across the city. Second, black smoke coming out of old, unfit vehicles, buses and trucks. Third, smoke from brick kilns and factories around the city. In winter, the air becomes heavy, so smoke cannot rise up. That is why pollution in Dhaka is highest from November to February.

In this situation, children, elderly people, asthma and heart patients, pregnant women, and those who work on the streets — rickshaw pullers, traffic police, hawkers and construction workers — are at the highest risk. Doctors say, if you go outside today, you must wear a mask. Ordinary cloth masks will not work, you must wear an N-95 or surgical mask. It is better not to exercise outside, not to walk outside, and not to send children to play in the field. Keep doors and windows closed at home, drink plenty of water.

The Department of Environment says operations are going on — closing illegal brick kilns, spraying water at construction sites, seizing unfit vehicles. But until these rules are followed regularly, Dhaka's air will not improve.

Today in Dhaka, the temperature will be a maximum of 30 degrees, minimum 21 degrees. There is no chance of rain. So there is no chance for dust to be washed away either. This situation may continue for the next few days. So everyone stay alert, wear a mask, take care of yourself and your family.