Clearing Dhaka's air

Deteriorated air quality is nothing new for Bangladesh, especially for the Dhaka city. A US report says air pollution has become the second leading health risk factor after high blood pressure in Bangladesh. Our life expectancy would have increased by 1.3 years if WHO guidelines were followed.

One of the reasons why Dhaka city dominates the list of most polluted cities is the rise in commercial and construction activities. Industrial and vehicular emissions are two other major sources of pollution. Also, Dhaka's neighbourhood has around 2,295 brick kilns which emit noxious fumes along with fine particles in the air.

Generally, smoking, burning of fossil fuels, coal-fired power plants and outdoor burning emit nitrogen oxides rendering air quality unhealthy. Air pollution is in no way a remote issue of environmentalist groups; it is a major source of public health plight. So, the authorities concerned should consider it an emergency and take immediate steps.

Md. Zillur Rahaman

Gandaria, Dhaka

[email protected]