Across Dhaka, from far south to extreme north, the battle for clean air is not confined to the outdoors. Residents like Arman Hossain, a 40-year-old living in Moghbazar, struggle with unrelenting indoor air pollution. Despite regular cleaning, his family’s 1,200-square-foot flat is perpetually cloaked in dust, carrying a persistent odor. Arman’s father, already suffering from respiratory issues, bears the brunt of the poor air quality. “Even with the windows closed, dust finds a way in,” Arman lamented.
This experience is far from unique. In Mirpur, Jonayed Khan, who has asthma, finds his condition aggravated by the dusty, poorly ventilated environment of his shared accommodation. “The dust never settles, and the air feels heavy. Even after the metro rail construction ceased, the pollution remains unbearable,” he shared.
Alarming findings on indoor air quality
A recent study led by Dr Sakhawat Hossain, Associate Professor of Public Health at Jahangirnagar University, revealed that indoor air pollution in Dhaka often surpasses outdoor levels.
Assessing 43 homes, the study found average indoor pollution levels at 75.69 micrograms per cubic meter—nearly five times the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines.
In some homes, levels exceeded a staggering 200 micrograms per cubic meter.
Dr Hossain emphasised the severity: “People spend 60–65 per cent of their day indoors. If the air inside is more polluted than outside, it poses severe health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.”
Sources of indoor air pollution
Indoor air pollution in Dhaka arises from various sources, including:
Outdoor air infiltration: Polluted air enters through windows and gaps.
Cooking practices: Prolonged cooking, especially using traditional stoves, increases pollution.
Poor ventilation: Many homes lack proper airflow, trapping harmful particles.
Construction materials: Certain paints, plastics, and building materials release volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Public health expert Dr Lelin Chowdhury noted the grim consequences: “One-fourth of heart attacks in the country are linked to air pollution. It also contributes to high blood pressure, cancer, lung diseases, and even mental health issues.”
Designing solutions for healthier homes
Architectural ecologist Sajal Chowdhury highlights the role of design in mitigating indoor air pollution. “Proper ventilation, large windows, and cross-ventilation systems are essential. Using eco-friendly building materials and incorporating indoor plants like aloe vera or spider plants can significantly improve air quality,” he advised.
Modern innovations like green roofs and natural lighting not only enhance aesthetics but also reduce pollution. However, implementing such solutions remains a challenge in Dhaka’s densely populated and poorly planned urban landscape.
Dhaka’s outdoor pollution worsens indoor air
Dhaka’s outdoor air quality has repeatedly breached hazardous levels (Air Quality Index over 300), particularly in Shahbagh, Motijheel, and Mirpur. According to a study by the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), nearly 40 per cent of indoor pollution stems from outdoor sources, such as construction dust, vehicle emissions, and garbage burning.
Call for action
Experts urge coordinated efforts to tackle both indoor and outdoor pollution. Recommendations include:
Policy implementation: Enforce the High Court’s 19-point directive to curb outdoor pollution.
Eco-friendly urban planning: Promote roof gardens and sustainable building designs.
Public awareness: Educate residents on reducing indoor pollutants, such as by maintaining cleanliness and avoiding harmful materials.
As Dhaka’s air quality crisis deepens, addressing indoor air pollution is critical to safeguarding public health. Cleaner homes, supported by sustainable city planning, could turn the tide against this silent health hazard.