Air pollution is a silent killer

Most air pollution comes from energy use and production. Carbon dioxide and methane raise the earth's temperature. Burning fossil fuels releases gases and chemicals into the air, contributing to climate change, which in turn increases the production of allergenic air pollutants including mold and pollen. Smog, meanwhile, can irritate the eyes and throat and also damage the lungs—especially for people who work or exercise outside. It's even worse for people who have asthma or allergies.

Greenpeace and AirVisual, who monitor global air quality, recently released the World Air Quality Report 2018. It pinpoints brick kilns and vehicles emitting sulphur as the main cause of pollution.

The report also recognised Dhaka as the second most polluted capital city. The most polluted countries in the world are Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, and the city ranking shows Asian locations dominating the highest 100 average PM 2.5 during 2018, with cities in India, China, Pakistan and Bangladesh occupying the top 50 spots.

According to the report, air pollution will cause around seven million premature deaths globally next year and have major economic impacts. We hope that the government will take sufficient measures to fight air pollution, so that we can all breathe fresh air.

Md. Zillur Rahaman

Lalmohan, Bhola