Editorial
Lethal air pollution
Implement effective measures to reduce it
It is an oft-told story that extremely hazardous particles in the air of Dhaka and Chittagong pose a threat to the life of the citizens. They literally inhale poison as they go about doing their every-day chore little knowing the long-term effect on their health. The two mega cities are home to millions of people where they are already living in unhealthy environment amidst filth and debris. On top of that, they are forced to breathe air containing lethal components like carbon monoxide, lead, dust etc. It is said things get even worse in winter when particulate matters (PM) in air is likely to be higher than what is recoded in other seasons.
Research findings suggest that some varieties of particulate matters are found in smoke emanating from burning wood, which can get into our cardiovascular system. Besides, another type of PM created from fossil fuels also affects our circulatory system. The common sources of these pollutants are faulty vehicles, brick kilns, dust from roads, construction sites, and toxic fumes from industries. It is said that diesel-run vehicles alone contribute about 60 percent of the particulate matters, while brick kilns contribute another 25 to 30 percent. What is alarming is that children are the worst sufferers of respiratory and other types of complications from inhaling such poisonous air.
Air pollution is a burning topic discussed in many seminars and workshops in the country. And we understand some valuable recommendations have also been prepared and submitted with the relevant authorities for taking action. But we are not in the know of any effective measures taken by the authorities concerned to reduce the amount of pollutants in the air.
We believe the options left to the relevant authorities are phasing out of all faulty and unfit diesel-run vehicles; closing down of coal and log burnt kilns, and installing fail-proof mechanism to keep the roads clean of dirt and filth. While it is the solemn duty of the city corporations to keep the city clean, the relevant authorities must also ensure that no faulty and old vehicles ply the roads emitting lethal gas. Such measures we believe would considerable help reduce the level of pollutants in the air and make our life liveable.
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