You are currently viewing What we know and what we can do about Dhaka deadly air
Representation image: This image is an artistic interpretation related to the article theme.

What we know and what we can do about Dhaka deadly air

25% of all deaths in 2021 were attributed to air pollution. Air pollution is a complex issue that affects not only human health but also the environment. It is a major contributor to climate change, as it releases greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.

The city’s air quality is a major concern for its residents, with severe health impacts. The Air Quality Crisis in Dhaka Dhaka’s air pollution is a complex issue, with multiple factors contributing to its poor air quality. The city’s rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to a significant increase in emissions from various sources. Brick kilns, which are common in the city, emit large amounts of particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10, which are known to cause respiratory problems and other health issues.

The city’s transportation sector is also a significant contributor to air pollution, with 10,000 tons of PM2.5 emissions annually. Fossil fuel combustion, including power generation and heating, adds another 10,000 tons of PM2.5 emissions each year.

  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Energy production
  • Chemical processing
  • Waste management

    • The Impact of Sulfur Oxide Emissions

    Sulfur oxide emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution in the city, with around 60,000 tons released annually. These emissions come from a range of sources, including industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and fossil fuel combustion.

    Understanding the Seasonal Patterns of Pollution in Dhaka’s Air

    The city of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is known for its severe air pollution problems. The air quality in Dhaka is often characterized by high levels of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and other gases.

    Factors Contributing to Brick Manufacturing Pollution

    The brick manufacturing industry is a significant contributor to pollution in Dhaka City. The main factors contributing to this pollution are:

  • The use of raw materials such as clay, sand, and water, which are often extracted from nearby areas and transported to the manufacturing sites.
  • The lack of proper waste management and disposal systems, leading to the accumulation of toxic waste and pollutants in the environment.
  • The use of fossil fuels, such as diesel and gasoline, for power generation and transportation, which contributes to air pollution.
  • The lack of regulations and enforcement, allowing manufacturers to operate with little oversight and accountability.Environmental Impact

    • The environmental impact of brick manufacturing in Dhaka City is severe and far-reaching.

    The Problem of Air Pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plain

    The Indo-Gangetic Plain is one of the most densely populated regions in the world, with over 1.3 billion people living in the area. The region’s unique geography, with the Himalayan Mountains to the north and the Ganges River to the south, creates a phenomenon known as the monsoon trap. This trap causes the region to experience a dense cloud of smoke and pollutants during the winter months, particularly from late October to December. • The smoke and pollutants are carried over the region by the northwestern winds, which bring them to the densely populated cities of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, including Dhaka City. • The pollutants include NO2, CO, SO2, and particulate matter (PM), which are known to have severe health effects on humans and the environment.

  • Respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Cancer
  • Neurological damage

    • The health impacts of air pollution are not limited to the people living in the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

    The Importance of Air Quality Monitoring

    Air quality monitoring is a critical component of addressing air pollution. It involves the use of sensors and other technologies to measure the levels of pollutants in the air. The data collected from these sensors is then used to create maps and reports that provide information on the current air quality and any potential health risks associated with it. • Key benefits of air quality monitoring include:

  • Providing real-time information on air quality
  • Identifying areas of high pollution
  • Informing policy decisions
  • Supporting public health initiatives

    • The Role of the Government in Addressing Air Pollution

    The government plays a crucial role in addressing air pollution. This includes implementing policies and regulations to reduce emissions, investing in clean energy technologies, and providing education and awareness programs to citizens.

    This correlation can help identify areas where air pollution is most detrimental to human health.

  • *Environmental monitoring stations*: These stations collect data on air quality, including particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide levels.
  • *Healthcare records*: These records provide information on the prevalence and distribution of respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • *Surveys and questionnaires*: These tools can gather information on the self-reported symptoms and experiences of individuals with respiratory diseases.Correlating the Database with Pollution Data

    • Once the database is created, it can be correlated with pollution data to understand how people are affected by air pollution. For example, a study in a major city found that areas with high levels of particulate matter were associated with a higher incidence of respiratory diseases.

    Implementing policies to promote the use of electric vehicles can also help mitigate the air pollution in Dhaka.

  • The kilns burn fossil fuels, such as coal and wood, to produce bricks, releasing pollutants into the air.
  • The kilns also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to ground-level ozone formation and smog.
  • The kilns’ chimney emissions can reach heights of up to 100 meters, dispersing pollutants over a wide area.Health Effects

    • The pollutants emitted by brick kilns can have severe health effects on the residents of Dhaka.

    Green infrastructure can also help to reduce the city’s reliance on fossil fuels.

  • Construction sites: The construction of new buildings, roads, and other infrastructure has led to an increase in dust pollution from these sites.
  • Unpaved roads: The lack of proper paving and maintenance of roads has resulted in the generation of large amounts of dust.
  • Agricultural activities: The expansion of agricultural activities in the city has led to the use of fertilizers and pesticides, which can contribute to dust pollution.Mitigating Dust Pollution

    • Mandatory dust control measures can help minimize airborne particles and reduce the negative impacts of dust pollution on public health.

    The Importance of Proper Waste Segregation

    Proper waste segregation is the foundation of effective waste management. It involves separating waste into different categories, such as organic, inorganic, recyclable, and hazardous materials. This separation enables waste handlers to process and dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly manner. • Separating waste into different categories helps to reduce contamination and increase the quality of recyclable materials. • Proper segregation also enables waste handlers to identify and manage hazardous waste, which can be toxic and pose significant environmental risks.

    The research focused on the impact of climate change on the environment and human health in the Sundarbans mangrove forest. The Sundarbans is a vast and diverse ecosystem that spans across the Indian subcontinent and Bangladesh. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the Bengal tiger, the Indian python, and the saltwater crocodile. The Sundarbans is also a vital source of livelihood for millions of people, providing them with fish, fruits, and other essential resources. However, the Sundarbans is facing numerous challenges due to climate change. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are altering the delicate balance of the ecosystem, leading to increased frequency and severity of natural disasters such as cyclones and floods. The research found that the Sundarbans is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its unique geography and ecology. The forest is characterized by a complex network of rivers, creeks, and canals, which provide a habitat for a wide range of aquatic life. However, this network also makes the forest more susceptible to flooding and erosion. The research also highlighted the importance of preserving the Sundarbans ecosystem for human health. The forest is a natural air purifier, removing pollutants and toxins from the air and providing clean water for millions of people. The research found that the Sundarbans is losing its natural ability to purify the air and water due to the impacts of climate change. The research was carried out by the Bengal Institute’s Geographic Research Unit, which is a leading organization in the field of geographic research. The unit is dedicated to understanding the impact of human activities on the environment and promoting sustainable development. The research was conducted using a combination of field observations, remote sensing, and statistical analysis.

    Further details on this topic will be provided shortly.

    Leave a Reply