Pollution, a small word carrying a thousand unexplained and unbothered problems in everyday life. We see people wearing masks and being aware of the toxins in the air, still, we cannot but reside in our country and keep showing regularly for the sake of existence.
But the question is, until how long can a person fight against their immune system? There must be some limitations in the human body that prevent exposure to uncontrolled dust and toxic chemicals.
Yes, we are talking about the air pollution and the aftermath of this issue, the breathing problems of people, especially those living in Dhaka City. The city of dreams and lights can turn into a dark place where our lungs are soaked in black fumes. Students, professionals, everyone, every day, has to face trouble reaching their destinations due to polluted air. Those who mostly stayed at home faced the same level of pollution as those who lived beside construction sites.
The number of patients is piling up in the chambers of Chest Disease-related doctors in every hospital in the city. This did not happen at a glance- the air became poisonous slowly.
Ranked as the 5th most polluted city in the world, Dhaka's air is deadly to people with breathing sensitivities.
The air quality index is 132 at 3:10 pm on 16th June, which, at the time of writing this piece, is rated 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' by IQAir. It can certainly make a healthy person sick, too. Now and then, the bourgeoisie own cars and factories which they use ruthlessly and care less about the effects.
The general public pays the price with their respiratory tracts.
Public vehicles, such as buses and trucks, are unsupervised in both their flexibility and their engine systems. As a result, these vehicles produce unfiltered gases, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons.
Those of us who can't understand these chemistry-related terms know that they are so harmful to the human body that they can even reduce oxygen delivery.
Mr Abed Khan is business person living at Wari who has an ailing mother dealing with severe breathing issues. He said, "My mother came to visit me from Sreemangal and stayed in Dhaka for a week. Now she is hospitalised with severe breathing problems, her oxygen saturation is very low."
We have come so far in terms of technology. But have we learnt to use technology harmlessly? No, the commodities like Air Conditioner and Humidifier produce chemical compounds called refrigerants, which contribute to the inception of Pneumonia and other bronchial diseases. So, using these technologies for comfort might actually harm people.
Now, how to avoid the daily commute and the use of electronic gadgets? There is no escape from these, but ecological solutions can be found. Renewable energy sources can power vehicles, and industrial areas should be separated from the local community.
Another important aspect is the use of air conditioning and other cooling items, which cannot be avoided. But if the producers of these commodities add tools to neutralise the negative effects of the chemicals used in these gadgets, and also seek natural alternatives that can be incorporated into these machines, then humans can be at some level of ease.
Using rickshaws or walking is good for daily transportation, but rickshaws should be pedalled; otherwise, battery-driven rickshaws emit lead oxide, which ultimately harms breathing.
Smoking, a social vice, and the fact that smokers smoke openly, should be banned. When active smokers light their cigarettes, the people around them become passive smokers and inhale the tobacco without any prior fault.
Though smoking should not be considered a unit of measuring someone's character, do the smokers have any right to contaminate other people's lungs?
From the medical and social points of view, smoking is discouraged for both genders, and therefore, separate smoking zones should be made for those who want to smoke cigarettes at any cost.
Tree plantation should be given priority. Whether it's a roof, balcony or side windows, people should greenify their rooms with plants. It can increase the ease in the room environment, making it cooler and more beautiful.
Last but not least, wearing masks. Even though they provide little support, that trivial protection can save you from long-term respiratory diseases.
Wearing masks should never feel weird; instead, everyone should be encouraged to wear them for the overall health of their lungs. Avoid areas with high air pollution levels. Your small measure can prevent greater dangers. Unfortunately, if you have trouble breathing, seek medical help immediately and avoid taking common cold medicines.
The problem is not curable in one day, but if there is no day-one of creating consciousness, it will unfortunately take a heavy toll on the well-being of the natives.
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