'Is anyone even analysing the air?'

Infographic: TBS

Sidrat Jabeen was a 30-year-old doctor who suffered from chronic asthma. She passed away today, and a few hours before her death, she posted on her Facebook profile, expressing concern about Dhaka's air pollution.

She wrote, "What's causing Dhaka's air pollution? All these engineers and no data on the cause of the pollution. Is anyone even analysing the air? It doesn't feel like it's just dust and construction material. The air definitely has some toxic gases in certain areas... It's so stupid that we have no brains in town to get cracking at this."

At the time of her death, Dhaka's air quality was very unhealthy, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 253 at 10am. Dhaka ranked highest in pollution among major cities and had been among the most polluted for several days.

An AQI between 151 and 200 is "unhealthy," 201 to 300 is "very unhealthy," and above 300 is "hazardous," posing serious health risks. 

On Monday, Dhaka's air quality reached a record high of 457 on the IQAir index at 10pm, staying above 400 for about 5 hours from 8pm.

Environmentalists and experts say the major reason for the air pollution is waste burning, developing works, black smoke of vehicles, brick fields, transboundary polluted air and others.

The two city corporations complained that pollution from development works hampers their activities. They have limited vehicles for watering and cleaning but can only use a minimal amount of water due to insufficient supply.

Kuril area resident Habibullah told TBS, "The last few days have been very difficult for us. My home is near Progati Sarani Road, and I use this road regularly to go to my office. Four members of my family have suffered from cough and cold. My 3-year-old child is now admitted to the hospital due to an air pollution-related illness.

"Despite using a mask when I leave home, I can't escape the dust. My asthma has worsened, and the doctor advised me not to go outside in such polluted air, but it's unavoidable. Even with the windows closed, dust still accumulates in the room." 

Air pollution-related patients rise 

As air pollution increases, cases of asthma, respiratory distress, and other respiratory diseases have surged among people of all ages, including children. 

Just two months ago, the 250-bedded TB Hospital in Shyamoli saw an average of 200-300 patients daily at its outdoor clinic. Now, that number has risen to 500. There are currently 100 patients admitted to the indoor ward, a number that is usually much lower.

Speaking to TBS, Dr Ayesha Akter, deputy director of the TB Hospital, said, "With the change in season and the rise in air pollution, cases of sneezing, coughing, and asthma have significantly increased."

In Bangladesh, nearly one-third of patients suffer from various lung diseases, with 70 lakh people affected by asthma alone according to Asthma Association Bangladesh.

Dr MH Choudhury Lelin, a preventive medicine specialist and public health expert, said, "air pollution causes immediate health issues like sneezing, coughing, and breathing difficulties, while long-term effects include heart disease, dizziness, lung inflammation, tuberculosis, lung cancer, premature births, and increased infertility in both men and women.

"To reduce air pollution, the High Court's directives must be followed. Industries should be moved out of city limits, waste management improved, vehicle engines maintained, fuel quality ensured, and brick kilns relocated."

He suggested the Department of Environment provide daily air quality updates, advising people to stay indoors on unhealthy days, with schools potentially closing and vulnerable individuals avoiding outdoor activities.

"To protect against pollution, masks should be worn outdoors, and frequent hand washing is essential. Asthma patients suffer greatly from pollution, and they should use inhalers, wear masks, and get vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal infections to manage their condition," said Dr Ashraful Islam Irfan, a consultant in Medicine at Dhaka Community Medical College Hospital.

Bangladesh faces highest air pollution in 9 yrs 

A study by Stamford University's Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) reveals that Bangladesh has experienced its highest air pollution levels since 2016. 

In November, for the past eight years (2016-2023), Dhaka's average AQI was 176.66. This November, the value rose to 195, marking an increase of more than 10% compared to the last nine years, and an 11.5% rise compared to 2023.

CAPS Chairman Professor Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder told TBS, "Dhaka's residents did not breathe clean air for a single day last November. One day, the air quality was "moderate," four days it was "unhealthy for sensitive groups," twelve days it was "unhealthy," and thirteen days it was "very unhealthy." In such a situation, when the AQI exceeds 300, the government must declare a health emergency in the affected area."

What authorities say

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change today urged citizens to wear masks outdoors and advised sensitive individuals to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. 

Md Ziaul Haque, director of Air Quality Management at the Department of Environment, said, "Although the air quality index recently crossed 300, the duration was not prolonged. We are considering measures to address the situation, including whether schools in Dhaka should be closed during hazardous periods. Plans are also underway to send alerts to everyone's mobile phones once the AQI exceeds 250."

He added, "All ministries have been instructed to stay vigilant and take necessary steps to combat air pollution. However, coordinating with agencies remains a significant challenge. Despite repeated requests to the Local Government Ministry, substantial progress has not been made."

Regarding measures taken by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), the organisation currently has four road sweepers and nine water-spraying vehicles. However, no visible actions were observed during Dhaka's worst pollution periods.

Md Khairul Baker, superintending engineer of the Environment, Climate, and Disaster Management Circle of DSCC, said, "We have four 5,000-litre and five 7,000-litre water-spraying vehicles. But, we cannot spray water as required due to a shortage of supply. Wasa doesn't provide enough water daily, and we cannot use canal or river water due to contamination."

Khondoker Mahbub Alam, superintending engineer of the Environment, Climate, and Disaster Management Circle of DNCC, said, "We have ten water-spraying vehicles, but that is far below the demand. As a result, we spray water in shifts, covering different areas each day. Each road gets sprayed once in the morning, but within a couple of hours, it returns to its previous dusty state. It's not feasible to keep roads wet all the time."