Air pollution is caused by an increased amount of gases and dust other than oxygen in the air. All the animals on earth take in oxygen and emit carbon dioxide during respiration. On the other hand, tress absorbs carbon dioxide and release oxygen. However, trees are declining in the world due to constant population growth and the indiscriminate destruction of green trees. So, we don’t have enough trees that can absorb all the emitted CO2. As a result, the level of CO2 in the air is increasing, and so is air pollution. There are some other reasons too.

Bangladesh is on the top of the list of the countries that have the worst air quality in 2020. So, it becomes highly important to work on reducing the air pollution in the country. What are the ways to bring the fresh air back? Let’s see.

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Reasons behind the Air Pollution in Bangladesh

Vehicles, industry, population growth, and urbanization are some of the top causes of air pollution. Further, there are some other reasons too, many of which are beyond human control. But, most of the air pollution is caused by human beings in Bangladesh. The Ministry of Environment has identified 20 causes for air pollution in Bangladesh.

The main reasons are, Brickfields, road construction, reconstruction and repair, construction and digging of service companies, major development projects (expressways Metrorail), Construction of various installations including multi-storied buildings at government and private level, commercial extraction and collection of sand along roads or highways, transportation of sand, soil, cement, and other construction materials in trucks or lorries in open condition.

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Adding to these, piles of household and municipal waste on the road and incineration of waste, removal of dirt from drains and dumping on the road, scattering of dust while cleaning the road with the broom uncovered areas along various roads, dirt, and dust of broken parts between sidewalks and road islands.

Further, Harmful emissions from unfit transport, mud on the wheels of various vehicles, burning of garbage of various educational institutions and government colonies, dumping of garbage and dust from various markets, shopping malls, and commercial buildings, dust in polluted areas of Dhaka city, use of sulfur-containing diesel and finally lack of public awareness.

Read: How to stop global warming? How to combat climate change in Bangladesh?

Impact of Air Pollution in Bangladesh

According to the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), “at least 200,000 people in Bangladesh could die as a result of respiratory diseases and long-term exposure to high concentrations of contaminated air.”

People in urban areas, especially children are facing the harmful effects of air pollution. According to 2020 study, 49% of the children who went to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment from November to February had respiratory problems. Though dust and pollution usually increased in the air of the capital, air pollution-related problems have become common.

In addition to shortness of breath, air pollution can cause stomach problems, lung problems, skin problems, asthma or allergy problems, eye and nose problems, infection, pregnancy problems, and even cancer. However, in the case of children, this pollution has a very serious effect which they may have to carry for the rest of their life.

Read: Climate Change: How Bangladesh is being affected by Global Warming?

Ways to Reduce Air Pollution

The environment of Bangladesh is getting worse day by day. The most valuable element of the environment is air, without which we cannot even think of surviving. And this element is much more damaged due to our unconsciousness. We are all knowingly engaging in activities that increase the amount of air pollution.

The Bangladesh government has already implemented some steps to control air pollution. Such as the government has banned the two-stroke three-wheeled baby taxis. The government has already worked on making the eco-friendly bricks culture. Bangladesh government has announced that, by 2025, the use of environment friendly bricks will be increased by 100%.

Read Air pollution causes 7mln premature deaths: UN Chief

Besides these, there are some more steps to follow. 

Ban on Older Vehicles

At present, air pollution has become severe in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, and other cities. Black smoke, dust, etc., from vehicles and factories, are responsible for air pollution. Expired cars, in particular, emit so much black smoke that it has been identified as one of the causes of air pollution. The black smoke emitted from these is basically uncut carbon which is emitted in the form of small particles. Many environmentalists have mentioned the presence of lead particles in the air of Dhaka.

Focus on Afforestation

Due to the current urbanization as well as deforestation, the amount of oxygen in the air is decreasing at a huge rate. As a result, the number of pollutants in the air is increasing. To reduce the available carbon dioxide in the air, afforestation is the only solution. Urban areas need more trees to plant.

Read Imported used vehicles worsening air pollution in developing countries: UNEP

Adequate tree planting should be done along river banks, roadsides, various government places, and gardens should be set up in front of government and private buildings. Besides these, as a citizen, we should also do our part by planting trees wherever we can.

Unplanned Garbage Management

At present more than one crore people live in Dhaka city. This huge population is also a cause of air pollution. Urban people tend to throw the garbage anywhere, and the government also doesn’t have any proper management to control garbage and wastages. This wastage spreads a bad smell in the rotting air and creates air pollution. So, the proper authority should take care of this issue to make the air fresh.

Monitoring

To prevent air pollution, the Department of Environment should conduct regular mobile courts and conduct activities on the basis of a specific plan to alleviate the suffering of the people and ensure regular monitoring.

Read New study shows air pollution reduces global health expectancy by 2 years

Raising Public Awareness

Sources of air pollution must be stopped, and public awareness needs to be increased to stop all sources of air pollution. Individuals and organizations responsible for air pollution should be brought under punishment.

Bottom Line

Air pollution is causing multifarious effects on the health of children and adults in Bangladesh. We need to work together to prevent air pollution in Bangladesh by making efforts personally, socially, and legally. To fight against air pollution it is essential to stay aware of its impacts and make others aware of this issue.

Read Climate change: 'Children in Bangladesh, 3 other countries at extremely high risk'