Air pollution in Dhaka City necessitates immediate and concerted action. Mitigating vehicular emissions, controlling industrial pollutants, and promoting sustainable practices are essential for the health of residents and the environment. Collaborative efforts, encompassing stringent regulations, eco-friendly urban planning, and heightened public awareness, are critical to addressing this escalating issue. By embracing a united approach, Dhaka can strive towards achieving enhanced air quality, fostering a healthier environment, and elevating the overall well-being of its populace.

1. Air Pollution in
Dhaka City
Motiur Rahman
ID# 241923
WMES-6105_Professional
Skill in Environmental
Science

2. Intro: Air Pollution
in Dhaka City
Air pollution in Dhaka is not merely an environmental issue; it is
a public health crisis and an economic challenge. The
implications of deteriorating air quality extend beyond the
visible haze that envelopes the city. Respiratory illnesses,
cardiovascular diseases, and a compromised quality of life
underscore the urgency of mitigating air pollution. Moreover,
the environmental consequences pose threats to biodiversity,
water bodies, and overall ecosystem health.
This presentation delves into the multifaceted aspects of air
pollution in Dhaka City, aiming to illuminate the root causes,
understand the far-reaching effects, and propose viable
solutions. As we explore the importance of addressing air
pollution, it becomes evident that sustainable interventions are
crucial not only for the well-being of Dhaka's residents but also
for the long-term resilience and vitality of the city itself.

3. Aims and
Objectives of
this
Presentation
• **Assessment of Current Air Quality:** Conduct a comprehensive
analysis of the current air quality in Dhaka City, identifying key pollutants
and their concentrations to establish a baseline understanding.
• **Identification of Major Pollution Sources:** Determine the primary
contributors to air pollution, such as vehicular emissions, industrial
activities, and biomass burning, Construction and Demolition Activities.
• **Impact on Public Health:** Investigate the direct and indirect health
effects of air pollution on Dhaka's residents, emphasizing vulnerable
populations, and formulate strategies to minimize health risks.
• **Environmental Consequences:** Evaluate the ecological impact of air
pollution on the environment, including soil, water bodies, and
biodiversity, to develop conservation and restoration initiatives.
• **Formulation of Comprehensive Solutions:** Develop a set of
effective and sustainable solutions, including policy recommendations,
technological advancements, and community engagement strategies and
personal activities to mitigate and prevent air pollution in Dhaka City.

4. Air Quality of Dhaka
• More than 22,000 people in the capital died due to air pollution in
2019, says a global report.
• Dhaka is among the world's top five cities with the most poisonous
air, said the report to be unveiled today by two US-based
organizations -- the Health Effects Institute, and the Institute for
Health Metrics and Evaluation.

5. Air pollution in Dhaka City is caused by a combination of various sources, both
anthropogenic (human-made) and natural. The major sources of air pollution in Dhaka
include:
• Vehicular Emissions:
High traffic density and the widespread use of motorized vehicles contribute
significantly to air pollution. Exhaust emissions release pollutants such as carbon
monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs).
• Industrial Emissions / Brick Kilns:
Dhaka is home to numerous industries, including manufacturing, textiles, and
construction. Emissions from industrial processes release pollutants such as
particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and other harmful chemicals.
• Construction and Demolition Dust:
Unplanned construction and demolition projects generate dust and particulate matter,
impacting air quality. Construction-related activities contribute to elevated levels of
airborne pollutants.
• Waste Burning:
Open burning of municipal waste and plastic materials contributes to air pollution,
releasing toxic fumes and pollutants.
• Traffic Congestion:
Prolonged traffic congestion and frequent traffic jams result in increased vehicle
emissions. Stop-and-go traffic exacerbates the release of pollutants from vehicles.
Sources of air
Pollution in Dhaka city

6. Health Impacts of Air
Pollution
• High Respiratory Illness Rates:
• Dhaka witnesses a high prevalence of respiratory
illnesses, with a significant number of individuals
reporting symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and
shortness of breath. Children and senior citizen in Dhaka
are particularly vulnerable
• Cardiovascular Complications:
• The correlation between air pollution and cardiovascular
diseases is reflected in the statistics, with a rise in heart-
related ailments during periods of poor air quality.
• Mortality Rates Associated with Air Pollution:
• Research shows a correlation between long-term
exposure to air pollution in Dhaka and an increase in
mortality rates.
• PM2.5 is often seen as the most dangerous air pollutant
of all. Because of its microscopic size, it can penetrate
deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Once in the
bloodstream, PM2.5 can affect several organs and cause
several diseases, including: Asthama, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) , stroke, respiratory infections
, acute cardiovascular disease and death

7. Environmental Impacts
of Air Pollution
• Air pollution in Dhaka City has significant environmental impacts, affecting
various aspects of the ecosystem and contributing to overall environmental
degradation. Some of the key environmental impacts of air pollution in Dhaka
• Soil and Water Contamination:
• Airborne pollutants can settle on the ground and contaminate soil and water
bodies. This can affect the quality of agricultural land and water resources,
potentially harming crops, aquatic ecosystems, and the overall environment.
• Acid Rain Formation:
• Certain pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), can
contribute to the formation of acid rain. Acid rain can damage vegetation, soil,
and water bodies, impacting plant and aquatic life.
• Biodiversity Loss:
• Air pollution, through the deposition of pollutants, can have adverse effects on
biodiversity. Plants and animals may be directly harmed, and changes in
ecosystems can occur, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
• Vegetation Damage:
• High levels of air pollutants, especially particulate matter and ozone, can cause
damage to plant surfaces and interfere with photosynthesis. This can result in
reduced crop yields, damage to urban greenery, and negatively impact the
overall health of vegetation.
• Climate Change Contribution:
• Some air pollutants, such as black carbon (soot), contribute to climate change
by absorbing sunlight and promoting the melting of ice and snow. This can have
regional and global impacts on climate patterns.
• Ozone Layer Depletion:
• Certain air pollutants, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), can contribute to
the depletion of the ozone layer. While the use of CFCs has been regulated
globally, other pollutants may still have ozone-depleting properties.

8. How to prevent air pollution in Dhaka city in person
Garbage collection and fires cause air pollution in the dry season or on dry leaves and smoking often causes air pollution and affects the health of air
quality and worsens the quality of air. So, avoid smoking and urge individuals to quit smoking.
**Choose Cleaner Vehicles:**
- If you own a vehicle, consider using a cleaner and more fuel-efficient model. Electric and hybrid vehicles have lower emissions compared to
traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles.
**Conserve Energy at Home:**
- Use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and conserve energy. Reducing energy consumption helps lower
emissions from power plants.
**Proper Waste Disposal:**
- Dispose of waste responsibly. Avoid burning trash, as it releases harmful pollutants into the air. Follow local waste management guidelines and
recycle whenever possible.
**Plant Trees and Maintain Green Spaces:**
- Plant trees and maintain greenery around your home or community. Trees act as natural air purifiers by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen.
**Participate in Community Initiatives:**
- Join or support community-led initiatives focused on environmental conservation and pollution prevention. Participate in local clean-up events and
contribute to awareness campaigns.
**Educate Others:**
- Share information about the impact of air pollution with friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to adopt sustainable practices and raise
awareness about the importance of clean air.
Remember that collective individual efforts contribute to significant positive changes. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can
contribute to the prevention of air pollution in Dhaka City and promote a healthier environment for everyone.

9. In summary :
In conclusion, air pollution in Dhaka City poses a severe threat to public health and the
environment. The city's rapid urbanization, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and
inefficient waste management contribute to elevated levels of pollutants. The detrimental
impact on respiratory and cardiovascular health, coupled with environmental degradation,
necessitates urgent and comprehensive intervention. Addressing this challenge requires
collaborative efforts, encompassing strict regulations, sustainable urban planning, public
awareness, and individual responsibility. By prioritizing clean energy, sustainable
transportation, and responsible waste disposal, Dhaka can mitigate air pollution, fostering
a healthier and more sustainable future for its residents and the environment.