Air quality in Bamako

What is the level of air pollution in Bamako now?

Bamako is the capital and largest city of Mali, West Africa. It is situated on the Niger River, near the rapids that divide the upper and middle Niger valleys in the south western part of the country. A 2009 census estimated the population to be approximately 1.8 million people yet in 2020 this figure had risen considerably to 2.7 million people.

Towards the middle of 2021, Bamako was experiencing a period of “Moderate” quality air with a US AQI number of 91. This United States Air Quality Index figure is an internationally used set of metrics that is used to determine the level of air pollution at any given time. It is used to compare several cities, even when they are in different countries. The number is calculated by measuring up to six of the commonly found pollutants in the air. However, sometimes they are not always available and the figure has to be calculated using what records there are. In the case of Bamako, the only figure available was PM2.5 which was recorded as 26 µg/m³. With levels such as these, the given advice would be to remain indoors as much as possible and close doors and windows to prevent the ingress of more polluted air. Those of a sensitive disposition should avoid venturing outside until the quality improves. The table at the top of this page could help with this decision.

When is the best time of year to enjoy clean air in Bamako?

Air pollution is very changeable because it can be affected by very many variables such as wind speed and direction, temperature and the strength of sunlight. By looking at the figures for 2020 which have been published by the Swiss company IQAir .com it can soon be seen that the best period of air quality was to be had between June and the end of September when it was classed as being “Moderate” with figures between 12.1 and 35.4 µg/m³. For the months of May, October and December the air quality was classed as “Unhealthy for sensitive groups” with figures between 35.5 and 55.4 µg/m³. For the remaining two months of April and November the air was the worst quality when it was “Unhealthy” 78.2 and 59.8 µg/m³ were the respective numbers.

No records have been kept since 2020 when the annual average figure was 37.9 µg/m³. In cities elsewhere this figure was often artificially low because of the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic when personal vehicles were often prohibited and many factories and other production units were told to suspend business until further notice. The air quality was seen to be so much better in many cities, it remains to be seen if the quality here will worsen again now that lockdown has finished.

What are the sources of all this polluted air in Bamako?

Air pollution is a solvable problem; even the wealthiest nations have risen dramatically in their air quality over the past few decades. However, air pollution is currently having an unfair effect in low- and middle-income countries. In addition, the dependence of many developing countries on wood and other solid fuels - such as the use of raw coal for cooking and heating - and the combination of this with the use of kerosene for lighting are among the factors that increase indoor air pollution, which harms the health of those exposed to it. It is estimated that more than 2.7 billion people around the world are dependent on these fuels. Most of the effects of air pollution are felt in parts of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where biomass is commonly burned for cooking. This often takes place in poorly ventilated rooms and is often accompanied by children who want to be next to mum.

It is unacceptable that more than three billion people, most of them women and children, continue to breathe deadly smoke every day after using polluting fuel in their stoves. The use of polluted fuels for cooking in homes is the main source of household air pollution, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. While outdoor air quality can be affected by natural factors, such as geographic, weather and seasonal factors.

Can anything be done to lower pollution levels in Bamako?

As in so many developing countries, fuel used for household purposes such as heating and cooking comprises of dried animal dung. It is very convenient and relatively cheap to buy and even cheaper to use if it is made by the household members. It can and is used as a form of currency in parts of the world because it is so versatile.

It will take a big effort by governments to change this habit. New stoves are expensive to buy and then fuel for them needs to be purchased. For purely financial reasons, they largely remain unpopular.

How does this poor air quality in Bamako affect human health?

In terms of health risks, air pollution can be defined as every unusual substance suspended in the air that causes difficulty in performing the normal functions of the body's organs, and according to data, the main effects are mainly on the respiratory system, heart, eyes, immunity, skin and other body systems. On the other hand, a small amount of toxic substances may significantly affect the elderly, children under the age of 14 years and those suffering from respiratory and heart diseases.

The respiratory system is the first line of defence to protect the body from air pollutants - such as dust and benzene - that enter the body through the airways, and the extent of respiratory system damage depends on the amount of pollutants inhaled, and on the deposition of these pollutants in cells, and the first part of the respiratory system is affected. The bronchi, as they are irritated and lead to voice disturbances, and air pollutants cause many diseases, including asthma and lung cancer, and some studies have shown that there is a link between industrial air pollutants and an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Many experimental epidemiological studies have shown a direct link between exposure to air pollutants and heart-related diseases, as these pollutants affect the white blood cell counts, which in turn affect cardiovascular functions, and the air pollutants associated with traffic movement increase the proportion of nitrogen oxide in the body, which may cause enlargement of the ventricles.