Brian Barton
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has been identified as the city with the most polluted air globally. The city's air quality index (AQI) score often falls in the 'very unhealthy' range, indicating a severe environmental and public health crisis. Dhaka's poor air quality is attributed to various factors, including seasonal changes, with winter months typically experiencing worse conditions. The high levels of air pollution in Dhaka have significant implications for the health and well-being of its residents, reducing their life expectancy and contributing to a range of adverse health effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) Score | 286 |
| Previous Day's AQI Score | 257 |
| Population-Weighted Average PM2.5 Concentrations | Computed and converted into average life expectancy lost for the region as a whole using AQLI methodology |
| Air Quality | 'Very Unhealthy' |
| Air Quality During Winter Months | Worst |
| Air Quality During Monsoon Season | Improved |
| Global Ranking | Most Polluted City |
| Country Ranking | Bangladesh is the most polluted country in the world |
| District Ranking | Gazipur, located near Dhaka, is the most polluted district in Bangladesh |
| Life Expectancy Reduction | 6.8 years relative to the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline |
| Life Expectancy Reduction in Gazipur | 8.3 years |
| Life Expectancy Reduction in Dhaka and Chittagong | 7.6 years |
| Life Expectancy Reduction in Sylhet | 9.7 times the WHO PM2.5 guideline and 3.2 times the national standard |
| Number of People Impacted in Dhaka and Chittagong | 74.7 million residents or 45.3% of Bangladesh's population |
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What You'll Learn
Dhaka's air quality is 'very unhealthy'
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has been ranked as the city with the most polluted air globally. The Air Quality Index (AQI) score of Dhaka was recorded to be 286, categorizing the air quality as 'very unhealthy'. An AQI score ranging from 201 to 300 is considered 'very unhealthy', indicating a high risk of adverse health effects. Dhaka's poor air quality poses significant health risks to its residents, with air pollution already accounting for one-fifth of deaths in Bangladesh each year.
The primary cause of Dhaka's poor air quality is the high levels of fine particulate matter pollution, also known as PM2.5. This type of pollution is composed of tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to various health issues. According to studies, the average Bangladeshi resident's life expectancy is shortened by 6.8 years due to fine particulate air pollution, with residents of Gazipur, a district near Dhaka, losing up to 8.3 years.
Dhaka's air pollution is particularly severe during the winter months, with the monsoon season bringing some relief and improved air quality. The city's environmental health challenges are complex and persistent, and the seasonal dynamics play a significant role in the air quality fluctuations. However, it is important to note that even during the monsoon season, the pollution levels remain well above the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and Bangladesh's own national standards.
The lack of timely and accessible data on air pollution in Bangladesh is a significant concern. According to reports, the country does not have fully open public government air quality data, hindering the ability of citizens and researchers to address the issue effectively. Despite the efforts of organizations like the WHO, which highlights the global health implications of air pollution, Dhaka continues to struggle with poor air quality, impacting the health and well-being of its residents.
The situation in Dhaka underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to improve air quality and mitigate the health risks associated with pollution. It is crucial for governments, industries, and communities to work together to implement sustainable solutions that can reduce air pollution and ensure a healthier environment for all.
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Dhaka's pollution is seasonal
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has been identified as the city with the most polluted air in the world. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) score has been recorded at alarmingly high levels, indicating ""very unhealthy" air quality that poses significant health risks to residents.
Dhaka's pollution levels are influenced by seasonal variations, with the city experiencing its worst air quality during the winter months. During this period, thick layers of toxic smog can engulf the city, leading to "very poor" air quality that disrupts normal life. The AQI score during these periods often exceeds 200, entering the "very unhealthy" range and directly impacting the public health of Dhaka's residents.
Conversely, the onset of the monsoon season brings some respite from the pollution. The heavy rainfall during this season helps to clear the air and improve the city's air quality, showcasing the seasonal dynamics of Dhaka's environmental health challenges. However, even during the monsoon season, Dhaka's air pollution levels remain a concern, with the city's average particulate pollution levels exceeding both World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and Bangladesh's own national standards.
The seasonal variations in Dhaka's pollution levels highlight the city's ongoing struggle with air quality issues. While the winter months exacerbate the problem, the monsoon season provides a temporary improvement. Nonetheless, the overall high levels of pollution in Dhaka contribute to significant health risks for its residents, underscoring the urgent need for effective environmental measures to address this pressing issue.
Dhaka's high population density further complicates its pollution challenges. With over 74.7 million residents in the regions of Dhaka and Chittagong alone, the impact of air pollution on public health is profound. According to estimates, residents of Dhaka can expect a reduction of 6.8 years in their life expectancy due to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5), relative to the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³.
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Dhaka's pollution compared to other South Asian cities
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has seen the worst air quality among all countries monitored by the Swiss climate group, IQAir, in 2023. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) score was 281 at 9 pm on a Tuesday in 2023, which is considered 'very unhealthy'. The main sources of pollution in Dhaka are particulate matter (PM 2.5), black smoke from old vehicles, and fossil fuel overuse. The city's air pollution has worsened in recent years, causing health problems for residents, including asthma, fever, and allergies.
Dhaka is not the only South Asian city struggling with poor air quality. Other cities in the region, such as Lahore and Peshawar in Pakistan, and New Delhi and Begusarai in India, have also recorded dangerously high levels of PM2.5 particles. In 2023, Pakistan and India were close behind Bangladesh in terms of poor air quality, with South Asia suffering from the worst pollution in the world overall.
The poor air quality in South Asian cities is often attributed to brick kiln and other industrial emissions, agricultural waste burning, cremation practices, and the burning of solid fuel for cooking and heating. Additionally, vehicle emissions and biomass burning, including coal and crop residue, contribute significantly to air pollution in cities like Delhi. The geography of South Asia, with the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the Himalayas, also plays a role in the accumulation of air pollution in the region.
While some attempts have been made by South Asian governments to curb air pollution, such as the ban on coal burning in Delhi's National Capital Region in 2023, the problem persists. The lack of coordination between governments in the region and the local sources of pollution, such as old vehicles, continue to pose challenges in improving air quality. As a result, cities like Dhaka, Lahore, and Delhi continue to rank among the most polluted in the world, with harmful consequences for the health and well-being of their residents.
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Air pollution in Dhaka shortens life expectancy
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has been identified as the city with the most polluted air globally. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) score often falls in the ''very unhealthy' range, indicating a severe environmental challenge that poses significant health risks to residents.
The poor air quality in Dhaka is primarily attributed to a mix of solid particles, liquid droplets, and gases in the air. This pollution has severe consequences for the health of the city's residents, with air quality-related diseases being a leading cause of death. According to a report, air pollution accounts for one-fifth of deaths in Bangladesh each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately seven million deaths worldwide can be attributed to air pollution annually.
The impact of air pollution on life expectancy in Dhaka is profound. On average, residents of Dhaka can expect to lose several years of their lives due to the city's poor air quality. In Gazipur, one of the most polluted districts near Dhaka, life expectancy is shortened by 8.3 years. Across the regions of Dhaka and Chittagong, 45.3% of Bangladesh's population are on track to lose 7.6 years of life expectancy relative to the WHO guideline and 6.6 years relative to the national standard if current pollution levels persist.
The seasonal dynamics of Dhaka's environmental health challenges are notable. The city experiences its worst air quality during the winter months, while the monsoon season brings some relief with improved air quality. However, the persistent issue of air pollution in Dhaka underscores the urgent need for timely and accessible data to address this crisis effectively. Reliable data on air pollution would enable Bangladeshi citizens to actively participate in finding solutions and improving the city's air quality, ultimately reducing its impact on life expectancy.
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Dhaka's pollution data is not fully accessible
Dhaka, Bangladesh's air quality index (AQI) and pollution data are available online through various platforms, such as IQAir and the World Air Quality Index Project. However, there are indications that Dhakas's pollution data is not fully accessible or comprehensive.
Firstly, the availability and accuracy of pollution data depend on the number and distribution of monitoring stations and the consistency of data collection. According to a report, the 2023 assessment omitted some countries, including Chad and Burkina Faso, due to insufficient information. This suggests that the pollution data for Dhaka and Bangladesh may also be limited by the number and placement of monitoring stations.
Secondly, the data sources used for Dhaka's pollution measurements focus primarily on atmospheric pollutants. These include fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3). However, this list does not account for other significant pollutants, such as water pollution or soil contamination, which may have distinct sources and impacts on human health and the environment.
Moreover, the data provided by these platforms is based on specific measurement parameters and may not capture the full complexity of pollution. For example, the data for Dhaka's air pollution is updated daily at a fixed time, which may not reflect variations in pollution levels throughout the day or account for sudden changes due to unexpected events.
Additionally, the accessibility of data does not necessarily equate to its effective utilisation. Despite the availability of pollution data for Dhaka, there are criticisms about the government's response and initiatives to combat pollution. Public health experts have emphasised the need for the government to recognise air pollution as a significant public health crisis, as this realisation is essential for implementing meaningful improvements. Abdus Salam, a professor in the Department of Chemistry at Dhaka University, further highlights the impact of pollution on sectors such as investment and tourism, underscoring the urgency of proper planning and effective pollution reduction initiatives.
Therefore, while Dhaka's pollution data is available through dedicated platforms, the limitations in data collection, the scope of measurements, potential data gaps, and the effectiveness of data utilisation suggest that the full scope of Dhaka's pollution challenge may not be adequately addressed or accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Dhaka has been identified as the city with the most polluted air in the world.
Dhaka recorded an AQI score of 286, categorizing its air quality as 'very unhealthy'. The previous day, Dhaka recorded an AQI score of 257.
Dhaka has historically struggled with persistent air pollution, with conditions worsening during the winter months. The air quality improves with the onset of the monsoon season.
Air pollution poses significant health risks to Dhaka's residents. Fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) shortens the average life expectancy of Bangladeshi residents by 6.8 years relative to the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline.
