Experts warn: Control air pollution without delay

An entire generation of children will face debilitating health problems unless urgent steps are taken to reduce the levels of lead and other pollutants in the country's air, warned experts.

Experts made the dire prediction on the opening day of a two-day "International Conference on Bangladesh Environment" at the BUET last night.

In addition to air pollution, sessions on the first day focused on arsenic contamination, biological diversity, waste management, climate change, the preservation of wetlands and forests and sustainable development.

Booths set up by public and private sector agencies and NGOs featuring environmental posters, paintings and other displays also attracted large crowds.

Mahabul Islam, a senior official with the U.S. Environment Protection Agency, revealed during a working session on air pollution that a 10 microgram per decilitre increase in lead contamination cause a 2.5 point decline in a person's IQ. A one point decline in IQ translates into a 1 per cent drop in a person's lifetime income capacity.

Policy makers must take immediate steps to phase out leaded fuel, two-stoke engines and all badly maintained vehicles plying Dhaka's streets, said Islam.

Dr. Naila Zaman Khan, a professor of child neurology at Shishu Hospital, said Dhaka's children have been exposed for years to serious air pollution that is hampering their mental and physical growth.

Khan discussed the cases of two babies - one from Aminbazar and the other from Tongi - who have developed physical disabilities due to high levels of lead in their blood to illustrate her point.

"A baby's respiratory rate is twice that of an adult and they have the natural instinct of picking up things from the soil, so they are more vulnerable to lead pollution," said Khan. "So far, we know only the tip of the iceberg."

Khan said urban children are more vulnerable than rural children to air pollution, while children who live in slums are worst-hit.

"Our children are voiceless. Do something now before the whole generation of children are destroyed," Khan concluded passionately.