Dhaka's air 'disaster' today, steps to be taken to avoid pollution

Dhaka's air pollution increases during the dry season. Pollution started increasing from the end of October. Pollution is high in January. Since then it has gradually decreased. However, half of the month of February has passed, but the pollution is not reducing.

On the morning of the first working day of the week today, Dhaka ranked first among 100 cities in the world. As of 8:30 am, the IQAir air quality score for Dhaka was 394. This score is considered 'catastrophic'. Among the six levels at which pollution levels are observed, it is the highest.

This situation of air pollution is regularly highlighted by Switzerland-based organization IQAir. This live or instant AQI index is based on air quality and informs and warns people about how clean or polluted the air is in a particular city.

According to IQAir's criteria, a score of 51 to 100 is considered 'moderate' or 'acceptable' air quality. A score of 101 to 150 is considered 'unhealthy for sensitive groups'. A score of 151 to 200 is 'unhealthy' air. A score of 201 to 300 is considered 'very unhealthy' air. A score of 301 and above is considered 'catastrophic' or 'risky'.

Dhaka's score was 227 yesterday Saturday. Yesterday also Dhaka was at the top in pollution.
Chairman of Atmospheric Pollution Study Center (CAPS) of Stamford University, Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumdar told Prothom Alo this morning, "Air pollution usually decreases during this time. But now the opposite is seen. We see many strange behaviors of nature. Climate change. As a result, the air condition of Dhaka is also the same. When it is increasing or decreasing, it is becoming difficult to determine why.

Local sources of air pollution in Dhaka include vehicular and industrial fumes, construction pollution, smoke emitted from nearby brick kilns.

Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder said, local sources are more active in Dhaka's pollution now. If they are not reduced, the pollution will not be reduced.

According to today's list provided by IQAir, the main source of air pollution in Dhaka is particulate matter (PM2.5). Currently, the amount of particulate matter in Dhaka's air is 68 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) standard.

This morning, two Indian cities, Delhi and Mumbai, ranked second and third in air pollution in the world. The two cities score 237 and 233 respectively.

What to do to avoid pollution

Among IQAir's tips to avoid air pollution in Dhaka, one must wear a mask when going outside. They are also advised to keep windows closed to avoid outdoor pollution. The organization has advised not to go out and exercise.

People in sensitive groups are most at risk when air pollution is high. These include the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with complex diseases. Experts suggest that special care should be taken about them.