Air pollution has emerged as a pressing concern in Bangladesh in recent years. Bangladesh has consistently been ranked among the top five most polluted countries in the world in terms of air pollution since 2018 (IQAir, 2022). Air pollution harms humans, the environment, and the economy. Particulate matter (PM), the worst air contaminant, endangers new-borns and pregnant women. Increased respiratory and cardiovascular disorders are the main health risks. However, a recent study by the World Bank has identified that air pollutants worsen mental health as well (World Bank, 2021). Due to this disease burden, individuals spend more on healthcare and miss more work, costing the economy.
Authors: Fahmida Khatun, Syed Yusuf Saadat, Marium Binte Islam and Lubaba Reza
Publication Period: September 2023