Study also finds air pollution behind 266 million sick days every year hurting the economy
A new study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has revealed that air pollution is responsible for approximately 102,456 deaths annually in Bangladesh.
Launched at the National Press Club today, the report highlights severe public health impacts of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in the country.
According to the study, titled "Public Health Impacts of Fine Particle Air Pollution in Bangladesh," PM2.5 contributes significantly to diseases such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections, and lung cancer. Young children are particularly vulnerable, with 5,258 deaths each year attributed to PM2.5-related lower respiratory infections.
In 2023, Bangladesh was ranked as the most polluted country in the world. The country's annual average PM2.5 concentration of 79.9 µg/m³ is more than double the national standard of 35 µg/m³ and 15 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m³.
The report combines satellite data and model-based estimations, enhanced by machine learning techniques. CREA's analysis shows that achieving Bangladesh's national air quality standard could reduce deaths by 19 percent, raise Years of Life Lost (YLL) by 21 percent, and increase Years Lived with Disability (YLD) by 12 percent.
Meeting the stricter WHO guideline could save 81,282 lives annually and drastically reduce health issues like asthma-related emergency visits and preterm births, the report said.
A dashboard introduced at the event allows for real-time monitoring of pollution levels across different cities and districts, promoting informed decision-making and raising public awareness.
"Bangladesh's air pollution leads to numerous premature births, low birth weights, and childhood deaths annually," said Dr Jamie Kelly, CREA's Air Quality Analyst.
"These outcomes highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect the most vulnerable. Air pollution also weakens the economy, causing a staggering 266 million sick days each year."
CAPS Chairman Prof Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder emphasised that the rising pollution in Dhaka is affecting not only physical health but also mental well-being. The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2024 report indicates that air pollution has reduced the average life expectancy by 2.7 years globally. However, in Bangladesh, the reduction is more severe, with an average life expectancy decrease of 4.8 years.
Prof Adil Mohammad Khan, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, chaired the event. Other speakers included Nayoka Martinez-Backstrom from the Swedish Embassy, Tapan Kumar Biswas from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Dr Ayesha Akhter from the 250-bed TB Hospital.
