Dhaka ranks among Asian cities where ozone pollution reached extremely poor levels this year, exposing more than half of the continent’s population to extremely poor ozone levels according to a study by the European Union’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).
Asia Bears the Highest Burden of Hazardous Ozone Exposure
Data released by CAMS shows that 53 percent of Asia’s population was exposed to extremely poor ozone levels between January 1 and September 15. That figure marks the highest rate of severe ozone exposure across all global regions tracked by the European Union monitoring body. Another 22 percent of people in Asia experienced very poor conditions during the same timeframe.
Alongside Dhaka, the assessment identified India’s New Delhi, China’s Chongqing, and Pakistan’s Lahore among the Asian urban centers falling into the highest pollution category. Globally, 34 percent of the world’s population faced extremely poor ozone pollution, while just five percent experienced good air quality levels.
Health Hazards Linked to High Concentrations Above WHO Limits
The World Health Organization recommends that human exposure to ozone should not exceed 100 microgrammes per cubic metre when averaged over an eight-hour period. CAMS confirmed that its extremely poor category represents surface-level concentrations well above that standard.
Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants like traffic emissions, industrial output, and fires react under hot and sunny conditions. The assessment indicates that breathing in high levels of the pollutant can harm human lungs and aggravate respiratory conditions, including asthma.
Industrial Growth and Warming Climate Fuel Pollutant Formation
Researchers attributed Asia’s elevated ozone burden to rapid industrial and economic growth, rising transport emissions, wildfires, and agricultural-residue burning. A warming climate also plays a major role by creating atmospheric conditions that favor ozone formation and make the pollutant harder to control.
Heatwaves and major wildfires in Europe and North America further contributed to global pollution levels this year. Smoke from these blazes traveled thousands of kilometers past affected regions.
“Air pollution does not stop at borders. It can travel thousands of kilometres, crossing continents and oceans and affecting air quality far from its source,” said CAMS Director Laurence Rouil.
How Satellite Data and Computer Models Track Global Air Pollution
What tracking methods does CAMS use to measure air pollution?
CAMS relies on satellite data and computer models to track global air pollution trends and monitor wildfires across different continents.
What specific timeframe did the recent Copernicus assessment cover?
The study evaluated global and regional ozone pollution data gathered between January 1 and September 15.
What percentage of the global population experienced good air quality?
Only five percent of the global population was exposed to good ozone levels during the assessment period.
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