In the early hours of 2024, air pollution increased by about 64 micrograms to peak at 249 micrograms/m3, which is considered very unhealthy in the air quality index.
The research team at the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) at Stamford University Bangladesh had been observing the intensity of air and noise pollution during the English New Year celebrations for the past seven years.
Under the leadership of Prof Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, the study measured the levels of air and noise pollution before and after the New Year celebrations. The information was revealed on Monday.
Despite prohibitions, fireworks and sky lanterns were lit for about an hour during the New Year celebrations throughout the capital.
CAPS reports that fireworks typically contain potassium perchlorate, toxic barium nitrate, perlite powder, magnesium, aluminium slag, and earth-stone elements.
Burning these substances significantly contributes to air pollution, including particulate matter 2.5 and 10, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. These pollutants can cause asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, and other respiratory problems.
CAPS's field observations revealed that fireworks and crackers were set off from 11:30pm to 5am. However, the highest noise pollution occurred between 12am and 12:30am.
In the first hour of 2024, noise pollution increased by about 42% compared to the previous day (December 30). Most of the time, the noise level was between 80 and 90 decibels.
Noise above 70 decibels can cause deafness in humans and animals. Such noise levels can also increase the risk of miscarriage, infant mortality, and heart problems in the elderly.