Dust: the silent killer in the air
Saifuddin, a resident of Indira Road in Dhaka, has been battling asthma for several years. His condition has worsened over time, especially during the winter months, when dust pollution is at its peak.
Despite wearing a mask regularly, Saifuddin finds himself struggling to breathe in the face of persistent dust pollution. "I never leave the house without my mask," he shared with The Business Standard (TBS).
"Some streets are so filled with dust that even with a mask, I struggle to breathe, and my eyes burn."
Similarly, Samin Sajid, a resident of Mirpur, is experiencing skin problems, including allergies and rashes, due to the pervasive dust. He told TBS, "Dust causes my skin allergies and rashes."
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Development work, road digging, and other factors have contributed to the increasing dust levels, severely affecting public health. Many, like Saifuddin and Samin Sajid, are suffering from asthma and allergies.
Health experts are now warning that dust is silently contributing to a rise in respiratory diseases, such as asthma and pneumonia, making it a serious public health concern.
Dr MH Choudhury Lelin, a preventive medicine specialist and public health expert, told TBS, "We often underestimate the dangers of dust, but it acts as a silent killer. Dust is a major component of air pollution. When mixed with heavy metals and harmful substances, it enters the body through the respiratory system, leading to various illnesses like chronic cough, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and even lung cancer in the long run."
He further added, "Heavy metals in dust can damage the lungs and enter the bloodstream, affecting the liver and kidneys. Dust also hampers blood supply to the heart."
Dr Lelin also highlighted the risk of foodborne diseases due to dust contamination, stating, "When dust settles on open food, it can lead to food poisoning, gastrointestinal issues, and diarrhoea in children."
To address the growing problem of dust, Dr Lelin stressed the need for scientific air pollution and waste management solutions.
According to an IQAir report, dust storms can significantly degrade air quality by releasing large quantities of particulate matter into the atmosphere. These fine particles, known as PM2.5, can remain suspended in the air for extended periods. When inhaled, these particles penetrate deep into the respiratory system, exacerbating existing conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Dr Kamruzzaman Kamrul, an associate professor in the Department of Paediatric Pulmonology at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital, explained, "There is a direct link between dust and respiratory diseases. Dust exacerbates asthma symptoms and is associated with conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis in children. Our asthma centre has seen a rise in cases of respiratory infections, dust allergies, and asthma."
As dust levels continue to rise, cases of asthma, respiratory distress, and other respiratory diseases are increasing among people of all ages, including children. Just three 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 increased to 600.
Speaking to TBS, Dr Ayesha Akter, deputy director of the TB Hospital, said, "With the change in season and the increase in air pollution and dust, we have seen a significant rise in cases of sneezing, coughing, and asthma. Around 80% of outdoor patients come to the hospital with asthma, allergic cough, and shortness of breath, most of which are caused by dust."
In Bangladesh, nearly one-third of patients suffer from various lung diseases, with 7 million people affected by asthma alone, according to the Asthma Association of Bangladesh. Doctors have identified dust and smoke as major contributors to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Dr Arman Hossain, a medicine and chest specialist, explained, "We are now seeing an increase in patients suffering from allergy-induced sneezing, coughing, and viral fevers, especially among children and the elderly. The condition of patients with dust-related asthma and COPD has worsened. Prolonged inhalation of dust has led to a rise in asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and long-term respiratory infections. COPD patients are also at a higher risk of lung cancer."
To avoid dust-related illnesses, Dr Arman advises vigilance and preventive measures. He recommends avoiding dust exposure, wearing masks when outside, drinking plenty of water, and consuming seasonal fruits.
