Dhaka tops air pollution ranking: What does this mean for us?

Dhaka has once again emerged as the city with the worst air quality globally, registering an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 392 on Thursday (5 December), marking it as a "hazardous" level. 

The pollution levels in several other major cities across South Asia, including Lahore, Ulaanbaatar, Kolkata, and New Delhi, have also reached dangerous levels, triggering health crises and prompting authorities to implement strict measures.

According to the Air Quality Index, cities like Lahore, Ulaanbaatar, and Kolkata have also recorded hazardous AQI levels, with Lahore's index exceeding 1,200 on 26 November, reaching unprecedented levels, reports CNN.

The AQI above 300 is considered dangerous, and Lahore's air quality has surpassed 1,000 multiple times in recent weeks.

To combat this escalating crisis, various authorities in Pakistan and India have imposed stringent measures, such as school closures, online classes, traffic curbs, and halting construction work. 

Additionally, New Delhi implemented road sweeping, dust suppression, and public transport measures in an attempt to mitigate pollution, reports Blomberg. 

Sources of pollution 

The primary sources of pollution in these cities include vehicle emissions, agricultural fires, and low seasonal wind speeds. In regions like Punjab, smog and fog worsen the pollution, creating hazardous conditions that severely affect the air quality.

Health impact of pollution

The ongoing smog has overwhelmed hospitals in the affected regions, with a sharp rise in patients suffering from respiratory ailments. According to health officials, over 30,000 patients in Pakistan's Punjab province alone have been treated for respiratory problems, reports local media. 

The health risks associated with air pollution are severe and multifaceted. 

PM2.5 particles, which originate from fossil fuels, wildfires, and dust storms, penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. 

This exposure can lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and mental health issues, especially in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

Recent studies have highlighted that children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. 

Children are at greater risk due to their higher breathing rate, their development of organs, and their exposure to pollutants. In addition, air pollution has been linked to developmental disorders such as autism, as well as mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) reveals that air pollution is expected to reduce the average life expectancy of Bangladeshis by approximately 6.7 years. 

In some of the most polluted districts of Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur, this reduction could be as high as 8.1 years. 

The World Bank also reports that around 20% of premature deaths in Bangladesh are directly attributable to air pollution.

Health issues linked to air pollution

Air pollution is linked to various health issues, including increased cases of asthma, bronchitis, and lung infections due to inhaling toxic particles. 

It is also associated with heart disease and circulatory problems, as pollutants damage blood vessels. Long-term exposure to air pollution, particularly PM2.5, raises the risk of lung and other cancers. 

Toxic air has been linked to cognitive issues in both children and adults, including developmental delays and learning difficulties. 

Additionally, air pollution contributes to higher risks of depression, anxiety, and disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia. 

A significant number of premature deaths, particularly in highly polluted areas, are attributed to air pollution.

The air pollution crisis in South Asia, especially in cities like Dhaka, Lahore, and New Delhi, has reached critical levels, posing severe health risks to millions.