A 14-year old boy Nahid, who supposed to be in school or playground at this age, has been working as a helper of a human hauler widely known as tempo for survival. He used to stay on Jatrabari-Demra road from early morning to 11:00pm everyday for living from hand to mouth. He has been passing his days in dust, air and sound pollution. Last week, Nahid did not come to duty. After health checking, it was found that Nahid had been facing breathing and coughing difficulties. Doctor said that he had developed this problem due to prolonged exposure to excessive dust.

Reshma, a 39-year-old widow, has been working in a tobacco factory in Khulna. Reshma feels sick almost every time due to the smell of tobacco and tobacco powder dust. Asthma and shortness of breath are her daily problems. 

Reshma says, “After my husband’s death, I did not get married again as I have two children. As a result, I was bound to work at the tobacco factory due to the need for livelihood since I did not get expected job…Now, I am waiting for death.” 

Likewise Nahid and Reshma, thousands of women and children across the country are victims of air pollution. Some are in the workplace, some are on the streets. Air pollution affects men and women of all ages. Children and women are the most vulnerable of such pollution, said experts.