Living in Dhaka? Then you are breathing worse quality air compared to many other places worldwide. IQAir, an air quality monitoring index, consistently puts Dhaka among the cities with the worst air quality. According to Atmospheric Pollution Studies at Stamford University Bangladesh, air pollution is a serious problem that causes serious harm to every citizen in Dhaka. The quality index is often more than WHO-prescribed standards and sometimes very close to dangerous levels.
The effects are conspicuous. There is an increase in respiratory diseases, especially among middle-aged and the elderly. According to Air Quality Life Index/AQLI, air pollution is cutting our life expectancy by almost seven years. A 2022 article in Science Advances journal showed that between 2015-2018, about 24000 people died prematurely from air pollution in Dhaka city. World Bank conducted an analysis in Bangladesh and found a high level of pollutants in the air, increasing the risk of breathing problems by approximately 13% and depression by 20%.
How can we combat this? At a personal level, preventive measures should start from home. We should keep an eye on the Air Quality Index/AQI. Modern weather apps provide information that 0-50 AQI is safe, 51-150 is concerning, and over 151 is seriously dangerous.
If the AQI is over safe levels, it is better to close the doors and windows and switch on the exhaust fans, if any. A kitchen exhaust fan is always a good option. An air purifier is great, but it is not enough to keep the inside air clean. Smoking is completely unacceptable in the house. If there is an air conditioner at home, changing the filter every 2-3 months is advisable. Burning candlelight or incense sticks, while they may be aesthetically pleasing, should be minimised. Any damp areas must also be checked and treated for mould.
But we have to go out. Then what can we do? First, it is better to shower before going out and after coming in, as this helps clean the skin and hair of any contaminants. If a shower is not an option, washing the face is the bare minimum. Also, changing clothes when we come back from outside is good.
Wearing a mask is important, especially during high AQI days. However, the widely available ones are not designed for air pollution. The N95 or KN95 masks are equipped with the proper system to filter out dangerous air particles.
Starting early offers the advantage of reaching the office on time, considering the Dhaka traffic. It is also good for our lungs. Vehicle emissions are usually less in off-peak hours. So, starting early for the office is important, especially in areas with high AQI. Walking, biking or carpooling are the best choices to get to the office. If we are driving cars, consider turning on the recirculate button in the control panel. This feature protects us from outside air circulating through the vehicle.
Because of the poor air quality, exercising outdoors may cause more harm than good. For Dhaka, working out in a gym or at home might be prudent. We can divide the workout into indoor and outdoor parts. Outdoor exercise should include biking, walking, or other less intense forms. Dividing it into smaller chunks also reduces the risk of inhaling poor-quality air, e.g., walking 15 minutes outside and then going inside for another 15 minutes.
Diet is important, too. Eating fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats helps boost immunity and improve health. And if you have space, plant trees. This is good for you and the community as a whole.
Bangladesh government has already adopted a national action plan to combat air pollution. However, we still have a long way to go to achieve pure air quality. Until then, we must individually protect ourselves.
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