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Bangladesh exposed to serious UV radiations Ozone pollution getting dangerous


Published : 15 Sep 2022 09:47 PM

Ozone pollution is becoming a major problem and may turn into a serious threat to Bangladesh in the near future. The ozone pollution poses a formidable risk to several countries, including Bangladesh, for some unique reasons. 

Experts said that the ozone may become a very dangerous pollutant for Bangladesh due to its geographical position. The country receives a high amount of ultraviolet radiation, which is very harmful for the human body. However, due to absence of proper information, people of the country don’t know that ozone exists in their surrounding air and they are being seriously affected for ozone pollution.

Against this backdrop, experts on the issue and environmentalists emphasized on adoption of awareness programmes and various steps aiming to prevent ozone layer depletion. They also laid emphasis on united efforts to invent environment-friendly technology through ensuring its proper use in all sectors in line with the Montreal Protocol. 

Experts and environmentalists made the observations at an essay competition event yesterday. They have said that ultraviolet radiation falls on the earth from the ozone layer of the atmosphere. The ultraviolet radiation of the sun in wavelengths causes skin and bone cancer and other serious diseases in the human body. These harmful radiations are also a serious threat to all life on the earth.

Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) organized the event titled - ‘Essay and Quiz Competition’ at the auditorium of Stamford University Bangladesh in the capital on Thursday (September 15). 

Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Abdul Matin, registrar of Stamford University Bangladesh; said, “Depletion of ozone layer is a threat to us. The programme was arranged to make people aware. Such awareness programmes are very important to prevent ozone pollution. Along with awareness, steps towards welfare can be taken through various programmes.”

Prof Dr Gulshan Ara Latifa, former chairman of Zoology department at Dhaka University and academic advisor of Department of Environmental Science at Stamford University; in her speech at the event said, “We are damaging the ozone layer in various ways due to lack of awareness. As a result, various diseases are increasing. So, awareness should be increased from now to save the green planet.”

Prof Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, founder the CAPS and also Chairman of Department of Environmental Science of Stamford University moderated the event. It was also attended, among others, by Md Rabiul Kabir, head of marketing discipline; and Md Al-Mamun, an assistant professor of Pharmacy. 

The CAPS arranged the event on the occasion of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer-2022. A procession was also brought out marking the day. 

The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is observed on September 16 every year. The theme for the day this year is ‘Montreal Protocol@35: global cooperation protecting life on earth’.

The theme recognises the wider impact the Montreal Protocol has on climate change and the need to act in collaboration, forge partnerships and develop global cooperation to address climate challenge and protect life on earth.

On September 19 in 1994, the United Nations General Assembly decided to observe the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on September 16 to popularize the alternative substances not harmful for the ozone layer, and to raise awareness about its importance and protection. The day is being observed internationally every year since 1995.

The ozone layer in the stratosphere at the surface of the earth’s atmosphere retains the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiations. It is constantly being depleted for man-made harmful gases and products such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halon, carbon tetrachloride and methyl bromide.

According to scientists, the increase in the incidence of ultraviolet radiations on earth will cause massive damage to human health, including the animal and plant worlds, increase cancer, reduce crop yields, and damage marine livestock.

The Vienna Convention of 1985 and the Montreal Protocol with international obligations were adopted at Montreal, Canada on September 16 in 1987, by the United Nations Environment Program and scientists. 

Under this protocol, the use of ozone depleting substances is prohibited for a certain period of time. As a signatory to the Montreal Protocol, Bangladesh is taking all necessary steps, including banning the use of ozone-depleting substances.

Environmentalists and experts called for taking efforts to help protect the ozone layer to save the environment.