Md. Nurul Haque

One of the most pressing problems in modern cities is air pollution. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is a prime example of the terrible environmental conditions that can result from over-urbanization and fast industrialization. Air pollution is a significant problem in Dhaka, one of the world's most densely populated cities, and things like construction dust, industrial discharges, and vehicle emissions worsen it. In addition to having adverse effects on the environment, this pollution poses serious health hazards to the local population, including a rise in respiratory ailments, cardiovascular problems, and early death. The critical relevance of raising public knowledge about environmental health and the immediate necessity for successful governmental initiatives are underscored by an understanding of Dhaka's interplay between air pollution and public health. Air pollution is a significant public health concern in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and this write-up will attempt to identify its causes, examine its effects, and provide solutions.

Public health and economic issues are worsened by the alarmingly high levels of air pollution in Dhaka. Due to its high population density, abundance of vehicles on the road, and insufficient waste management facilities, Dhaka is susceptible to a wide range of contaminants. The impacts of this pollution are devastating, and they hit vulnerable populations the worst. According to research, the use of biomass fuels for cooking and heating leads to dangerous levels of airborne particles, which worsens the health hazards already faced by the urban poor. Air pollution and ineffective waste management work hand in hand to make people's lives worse, increasing the likelihood of illness and decreasing their quality of life. Therefore, reducing air pollution in Dhaka is about more than just the environment; it's also about people's health and quality of life.

A complicated interaction between fast urbanization, insufficient infrastructure, and social inequities mainly accounts for Dhaka's worrisome air pollution levels. Environmental degradation has become a significant problem in Dhaka due to the city's inability to handle its rapidly expanding population due to heavy migration and urbanization. Slums have grown as a result of people moving from rural areas, and many people now live in conditions that make pollution even worse. This is especially true for women and children, who are already at a higher risk of exposure to pollution at home. The problem is worsened because these settlements rely on toxic cooking fuels and have insufficient ventilation. Increased pollution levels result from this urbanization that has not been adequately developed. Sustainable urban planning and public health initiatives are urgently needed in the city, as this incident exemplifies a more significant trend of environmental neglect occurring amid an economic boom. Dhaka is facing challenges in effectively managing its rapidly growing population, which is primarily driven by substantial migration. Addressing these challenges presents an opportunity for the city to enhance its infrastructure and public services to accommodate its residents' needs better. Dhaka is facing challenges in effectively managing its rapidly growing population, which is primarily driven by significant migration. Addressing these challenges presents an opportunity for the city to enhance its infrastructure and public services to accommodate its residents' needs better.

Major contributors to Dhaka's air pollution are industrial discharge and vehicle emissions. Vehicles, many of which are in poor repair and add to the city's high levels of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, have proliferated at an unprecedented rate due to the city's fast urbanization and population boom. Air pollution from vehicles is a major contributor to respiratory illnesses and heart conditions. Industrial discharge is also a significant source of air pollution; many companies release dangerous chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), into the air. Effective mitigation techniques are necessary at different levels because studies have linked these emissions to health consequences. In developing regions like Dhaka, these issues are exacerbated by uninternalized externalities, making it more challenging to manage environmental health concerns.

Indoor and outdoor elements work together to degrade significantly air quality in Dhaka, making the health hazards linked with air pollution much more severe. Indoor air pollution (IAP) is a significant issue in cities like Dhaka since many low-income families use biomass fuels for their stoves and heaters. Research shows that levels of IAP are worrisomely high, with concentrations of respirable airborne particles frequently above 300 µg/m³. This creates serious health risks for susceptible groups, particularly younger children and women in their latter years (Dasgupta et al.). Another disturbing trend is the income and education gap in fuel choice and exposure; low-income families are almost twice as polluted as high-income, college-educated families. A multi-pronged approach that considers the socioeconomic circumstances of impacted areas and advocates for cleaner fuels is necessary to resolve these air quality challenges.

Dhaka and other urban areas have incredibly high particulate matter (PM2.5) levels, making air pollution very harmful to cardiovascular and respiratory health. According to studies, there is a strong link between PM2.5 exposure and the occurrence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). One such study found that 83.56% of hospitalized patients in the city experienced cardiovascular difficulties. The importance of local health authorities making air quality a priority for public health is shown by this evidence. In addition, it has been proposed that low-cost PM2.5 sensors be used to track pollution levels and pinpoint its origins, allowing for more precise actions. Improving our knowledge of these health concerns will help us develop better ways to reduce the impact of air pollution on vulnerable groups in Dhaka and abroad.

The citizens of Dhaka are at grave risk due to the city's chronic and concerning levels of air pollution, which calls for swift and efficient measures to mitigate the situation. Air pollution is associated with an increase in respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular disorders, two conditions that disproportionately impact already-stricken communities. It is essential to take a holistic strategy to reduce pollution by integrating new technology, public awareness initiatives, and regulatory measures. Other cities' experiences, like Mexico City's, have shown that congestion tolls and different pricing mechanisms can effectively lower emissions from vehicles and that organizations like Petrobangla can help manage fossil fuel resources better, which could lead to more eco-friendly energy practices. To protect the population's health and improve the quality of life for everyone in Dhaka, initiatives to reduce air pollution must come from the public and private sectors working together.

The writer is an Assistant Professor of English at IUBAT and a PhD candidate at UPM.