Air pollution
A rare occasion: Dhaka's air quality 'good' this morning
Dhaka's air quality has turned "good" due to the incessant rain triggered by Cyclone Remal.
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 38 at 9 am this morning (May 28, 2024), Dhaka anked 77th on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality.
When the AQI score is between 0 and 50, air quality is considered to be ‘good’, while between 50 and 100 is ‘moderate’, between 101 and 150 ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 151 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
India's Delhi, Indonesia's Jakarta and Pakistan's Lahore occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 216, 173 and 162, respectively.
Dhaka’s air quality turns ‘moderate’ under influence of Cyclone Remal
AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, is used by government agencies to inform people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants -- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
With the advent of winter, the city’s air quality starts deteriorating sharply due to the massive discharge of pollutant particles from construction work, rundown roads, brick kilns and other sources.
Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. Breathing polluted air has long been recognised as increasing a person’s chances of developing a heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung infections and cancer, according to several studies.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
Read more: Cyclone Remal: Great Danger Signal No. 10 issued for Mongla, Payra; 9 for Ctg and Cox’s Bazar
4 months ago
After a day of being ‘moderate’, Dhaka’s air quality back to being ‘unhealthy’
Dhaka's air quality is in the ‘unhealthy’ zone this morning (April 01, 2024). With an air quality index (AQI) score of 142 at 9:00 am, Dhaka ranked 11th on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality.
Thailand’s Chiang Mai, Vietnam's Hanoi, Indonesia's Jakarta occupied the first three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 177, 164 and 161, respectively.
An AQI between 101 and 150 is considered 'unhealthy', AQI between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
After rain, Dhaka’s air quality ‘moderate’ this morning
In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants -- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
Read more: What is ‘Zero Waste’ and why is it important?
6 months ago
After rain, Dhaka’s air quality ‘moderate’ this morning
After rain, Dhaka’s air quality has improved. The capital city ranked 33rd on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 86 at 9:10 am this morning (March 31, 2024).
Dhaka’s air was classified as 'moderate' today, according to the air quality index.
India’s Delhi, Thailand’s Chiang Mai and Pakistan’s Karachi occupied the first, second and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 201, 179 and 171 respectively.
When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
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The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
As per 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.
Read more: What is ‘Zero Waste’ and why is it important?
6 months ago
Is There Any Alternative to Brick Kilns?
For centuries, brick kilns, characterised by fiery chimneys and billowing smoke, have played a key role in the construction industry. Despite their contribution in providing essential building materials, their operations entail harmful impacts on human health, biodiversity and environment.
What is a Brick Kiln?
A brick kiln is a specialised facility used in the production of bricks, fundamental building blocks for construction. These kilns play a vital role in shaping the urban landscape. The process involves heating clay or other materials in furnaces to create bricks and contributes to the growth of infrastructure. However, the traditional methods employed in brick kilns can have environmental and health consequences, making it imperative to explore sustainable alternatives and technologies.
Impacts of Brick Kiln on Health
Particulate Matter Emissions
Brick kilns pose a major health risk due to the emission of particulate matter, including pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Inhaling these pollutants can irritate the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure may contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Read more: 9 illegal brick kilns shut down, fined Tk 47 lakh in Sirajganj
Respiratory Issues
Prolonged exposure to emissions from brick kilns can lead to a range of respiratory problems. From workers within the kilns to residents in nearby communities, the inhalation of pollutants can result in asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments.
Occupational Health Risks
Workers directly involved in brick kiln operations face occupational health risks due to exposure to high temperatures, dust, and pollutants. Adequate safety measures and protective equipment are crucial to mitigating these risks.
Cardiovascular Problems
Brick kiln fumes, laden with pollutants, can obstruct arteries, elevate blood pressure, and disturb heart rhythms. These adverse effects heighten the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, underlining the severe cardiovascular risks associated with exposure.
Read more: 4 brick kilns shut down for polluting air in South Keraniganj
Skin Problems
Dust and irritants emanating from brick kilns inflict skin torment on workers, causing rashes, itching, and burns. The daily grind leaves exposed skin raw, rendering workers vulnerable and uncomfortable in their work environment.
Cancer
Inhaling brick kiln fumes conceal invisible dangers, harbouring carcinogens that escalate cancer risks over time. Exposed workers face heightened threats of lung, skin, and other cancers, emphasising the risks associated with prolonged exposure.
8 months ago
Dhaka’s air quality: Once again world’s worst
Dhaka has once again topped the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality. The AQI score of Dhaka’s air quality was 254 at 9 am on Thursday (February 01, 2024).Dhaka’s air was classified as “very unhealthy”, posing serious health risks to residents, according to the air quality index.Ghana’s Accra, India’s Mumbai and Nepal’s Kathmandu occupied the second, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 191, 179 and 173, respectively.
As cold weather continues, Dhaka’s air quality still ‘unhealthy’When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups”, between 150 and 200 is “unhealthy”, between 201 and 300 is said to be “very unhealthy”, while a reading of 301+ is considered “hazardous”, posing serious health risks to residents.The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
Dhaka’s air quality again world's worst this morningThe AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.As per 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.
8 months ago
Breathing in world’s worst air in Dhaka today
Dhaka has topped the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 269 at 8:55 am this morning (January 30, 2024).
Dhaka’s air was classified as 'very unhealthy', posing serious health risks to residents, according to the air quality index.
Ghana’s Accra, Uganda’s Kampala and India’s Mumbai occupied the second, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 209, 189 and 188 respectively.
When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
Read more: Environment Ministry announces 100-day programme for 'healthy environment, smart Bangladesh'
The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
As per 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.
Read more: Smart technology will be used in all public service delivery: Environment Minister
8 months ago
Effective steps coming to control air pollution : Saber Hossain
Environment, Forests and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Tuesday said the government would take effective steps to control air pollution and protect public health.
“Effective measures will be taken against air pollution to protect public health. Legal action will be taken against brick kilns responsible for air pollution to this end,” he said at a meeting in his ministry.
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The new environment minister said work would be done maintaining coordination among the relevant ministries and agencies to control air pollution in Dhaka. “Other factors responsible for air pollution will be scientifically controlled,” he said.
The environment minister was chairing the meeting held with the officials of the Environment Ministry and the Department of Environment on the process of issuing environmental clearance.
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Saber Hossain said the process of issuing environmental clearances will be simplified to reduce the suffering of the people.
“Necessary initiatives will be taken so that the people can avail the services properly on time,” he said.
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The minister directed the officials concerned to issue environmental clearances systematically with the mindset of rendering services. “No irregularity in issuing clearance will be tolerated,” he said.
Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed and other high officials of the ministry and the Department of Environment were present, said a press release.
8 months ago
Dhaka’s air ‘very unhealthy’, 5th worst in the world this morning
Dhaka ranks fifth on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality this morning.
With an AQI score of 237 at 8:53 am, Dhaka's air was classified as 'very unhealthy', according to the air quality index.
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India's Delhi, China’s Wuhan, Vietnam’s Hanoi, and India’s Kolkata occupied the first, second, third and fourth spots on the list, respectively, with AQI scores of 262, 245, 241 and 237, respectively.
When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered 'unhealthy for sensitive groups', between 150 and 200 is 'unhealthy', between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
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The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
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As per 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.
9 months ago
Dhaka’s air again 2nd worst in the world this morning
Dhaka’s air quality was ranked second worst in the world for the second consecutive day today.
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 208 at 8:58 am, Dhaka’s air was categorised as ‘very unhealthy’.
An AQI between 101 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy', particularly for sensitive groups, while an AQI between 201 and 300 is said to be ‘very unhealthy’.
Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ Friday morning
India’s Kolkata and Delhi occupied the first and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 247 and 171, respectively.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants -- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ this morning
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
Dhaka’s air quality remains 'unhealthy' Friday morning
11 months ago
World Cup 2023: Can ICC compel players to compete in hazardous air conditions?
With the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka ICC World Cup 2023 match just hours away, the air quality in Delhi is perilous. According to the ICC’s guidelines, an AQI (air quality index) score under 200 is considered safe for cricket. Delhi’s AQI is well above 400 as the match approaches.
In light of this situation, can the ICC ethically mandate players to participate in a World Cup match amidst such hazardous conditions? This question looms large, given the severe air pollution in Delhi.
Players from both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were compelled to cancel their practice sessions due to the air quality issue. Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha mentioned that some of the players have asthma and are not willing to take unnecessary risks by practicing.
Read: Bangladesh to face Sri Lanka amid pollution concerns in Delhi
As players express their reluctance to practice, it raises critical questions about the ICC's stance on player participation in such conditions.
The ICC and BCCI staff on the ground are set to closely monitor the air quality leading up to the match. Following their assessment, they will consult with the medical teams of both teams. If they determine that the match can proceed safely, the toss will take place on time. However, if the air quality poses a significant health risk, they will adopt a wait-and-see approach, similar to protocols followed in cases of rain or a wet outfield.
ESPNcricinfo reported that the ICC is seeking advice from a lung specialist to define safe air quality levels for cricket matches. However, establishing specific benchmarks for safe air quality proves challenging due to the varying cardiovascular demands of different cricketing positions on the field.
Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Zaman ton leads Pakistan home vs New Zealand
For instance, a fast bowler experiences higher cardiovascular stress compared to a spinner. This indicates that identical air quality conditions may not be equally safe for both fast bowlers and spinners. The assessment becomes considerably more intricate in this regard.
11 months ago