0.8m city dwellers suffer from asthma due to air pollution
Sunday, 12 April 2009
Over 0.8m city dwellers suffer from asthma related problem due to various environmental pollutions, particularly dust and toxic metal particles in the air, experts said at a roundtable here Saturday, reports UNB.
They said the main causes of asthma are air pollution, unventilated living conditions, both at home and workplaces, unplanned industrialisation, dense population and living in slums.
The roundtable titled 'Devastation of Dust Pollution in City: Causes and Steps,' was jointly organised by Paribesh Bachao Andolan (POBA) and Dust Pollution Prevention Committee.
Prof Latifa Akand, Architect Shamsul Wares, Chief Town Planner of Dhaka City Corporation Mohammad Sirajul Islam and Dr M Ziaul Karim of National Asthma Center, among others, participated in the discussion held with Engineer Sheikh Mohammad Shahidullah in the chair. POBA chairman Abu Naser Khan moderated the programme.
Dr Ziaul Karim said garment workers and people involved in the industry are the asthma victims. "Garment workers should use masks at work," he suggested.
Sirajul Islam said lack of coordination among Rajuk, Wasa, Titas Gas Limited and Environment Ministry hamper their routine work.
"So, the city remains almost dirty despite all-out efforts by the City Corporation," the DCC Chief Town Planner told the roundtable.
Dr Abdul Hye Majumder said the air elements -- nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide (CO2), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and toxic metals like lead, cadmium and copper -- make us live in a poisonous condition.
He said a comprehensive policy is needed soon to reduce air pollution to make the city a livable place again.
They said the main causes of asthma are air pollution, unventilated living conditions, both at home and workplaces, unplanned industrialisation, dense population and living in slums.
The roundtable titled 'Devastation of Dust Pollution in City: Causes and Steps,' was jointly organised by Paribesh Bachao Andolan (POBA) and Dust Pollution Prevention Committee.
Prof Latifa Akand, Architect Shamsul Wares, Chief Town Planner of Dhaka City Corporation Mohammad Sirajul Islam and Dr M Ziaul Karim of National Asthma Center, among others, participated in the discussion held with Engineer Sheikh Mohammad Shahidullah in the chair. POBA chairman Abu Naser Khan moderated the programme.
Dr Ziaul Karim said garment workers and people involved in the industry are the asthma victims. "Garment workers should use masks at work," he suggested.
Sirajul Islam said lack of coordination among Rajuk, Wasa, Titas Gas Limited and Environment Ministry hamper their routine work.
"So, the city remains almost dirty despite all-out efforts by the City Corporation," the DCC Chief Town Planner told the roundtable.
Dr Abdul Hye Majumder said the air elements -- nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide (CO2), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and toxic metals like lead, cadmium and copper -- make us live in a poisonous condition.
He said a comprehensive policy is needed soon to reduce air pollution to make the city a livable place again.