Abstract

Airborne particulate matter (APM) samples collected at a semi-residential area in Dhaka during the period of 1994-2000 with the exception of 1995 and 1996 have been studied to assess the impact of the use of unleaded petrol in Bangladesh. From the elemental concentration measurements, a very high lead level was detected in the APM until 1999 and vehicular emissions were identified to be the main source of the contaminant. In order to reduce Pb content in air, the GOB decided to introduce unleaded gasoline as transport fuel in the country from July 1999. After the introduction of unleaded gasoline it was observed that Pb content in the Dhaka air reduced to one-third of the previous high value, though there were no significant change in APM mass and black carbon concentrations.