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.
CREA's analysis indicates that even meeting Bangladesh's current national air quality standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter could have a significant impact, reducing mortality rates by 19%, life expectancy-related issues by 21%, and years lived with disabilities by 12%.
Achieving the WHO's stricter 2021 guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic meter could reduce mortality rates by 79%, saving 81,282 lives annually.
This could also prevent nearly all emergency medical visits for asthma and respiratory issues, preterm births, and the annual loss of 263 million workdays due to health-related absences.
The study recommended that Bangladesh should not only adhere to its national guidelines but also aim to meet the 2005 WHO guideline of 10 micrograms per cubic meter in the medium term and the 2021 WHO guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic meter in the long term.
The country should reduce its reliance on carbon-emitting fuels like coal and diesel while encouraging the adoption of renewable energy.
Clean transportation systems and controlled industrial expansion were also identified as essential for long-term air quality improvements.
Additionally, the study emphasized the need for stricter emission standards for vehicles and factories, and the development of a national monitoring framework combining satellite and ground-based data to better assess health risks.
CREA's Southeast Asia analyst and lead author Daniel Neeson pointed out that even minor improvements in PM2.5 levels could bring significant health benefits nationally.
He stressed the importance of strict regulatory implementation and the adoption of clean energy to significantly reduce air pollution levels.
CREA air quality analyst Dr. Jamie Kelly noted that air pollution in Bangladesh is causing thousands of preterm births, low-birth-weight babies, and child deaths every year.
He highlighted the urgent need for interventions to protect the most vulnerable populations. The economic impact of air pollution includes the loss of approximately 266 million workdays annually, which weakens business productivity and family economic stability.
Solving Bangladesh's air pollution crisis would be equivalent to an investment in public health and the domestic economy.
Caps Chairman Professor Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder said that the air pollution level in Dhaka has reached a point where it not only affects physical health but also disrupts mental health.
According to the Air Quality Life Index 2024 report, air pollution has reduced global average life expectancy by 2.7 years, while in Bangladesh, it has reduced life expectancy by 4.8 years.