Over 100,000 dies annually due to air pollution in Bangladesh: Study

Air pollution in Bangladesh causes the premature deaths of 102,456 people annually, including 5,258 children. It also leads to 900,000 preterm births and approximately 700,000 low-birth-weight babies each year.

Additionally, 670,000 patients are admitted to emergency departments annually due to air pollution-related health issues, collectively resulting in the loss of 263 million workdays per year.

These findings were revealed in a study by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

On Saturday, at a joint press conference held at the National Press Club by CREA and the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (Caps), the study titled "Health Impacts of Fine Particulate Air Pollution in Bangladesh" was presented.

The research report stated that in 2023, Bangladesh ranked as the most polluted country in the world, with an annual average of 79.9 micrograms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) per cubic meter—more than double the national standard of 35 micrograms and 15 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline of 5 micrograms.

The high level of air pollution has led to increased healthcare costs and decreased productivity. In 2019, the total cost associated with these factors amounted to $11 billion, approximately 5% of Bangladesh's GDP.

The report also highlighted that such extreme pollution levels have unavoidable consequences for public health. People of various age groups are suffering from serious health complications, with children under the age of five being the most affected.

In 2022, amidst this alarming health crisis, the government decided to increase the national air quality standard for particulate matter from 15 micrograms per cubic meter to 35 micrograms, a move that researchers argue has created serious concerns and hindered progress in improving air quality.