Health Hazards and Air Pollution: The Rise of Brickfields in Bangladesh

Keywords: Brickfield, Spatial Regression, Air Pollution, Public Health, Environmental Justice
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

With construction booming amidst rapid development and urbanization in Bangladesh, the brick manufacturing sector has been expanding intensively and contributing heavily to localized environmental pollution and health issues. However, few comprehensive datasets are available to delineate brickfields’ expansion, air quality impacts, and health consequences. Our study addresses the gap by developing the first-ever nationwide time-series data documenting the locations and proliferation of over 10000 brickfields in Bangladesh. We compiled air quality data and health records spanning 2016 to 2023 to investigate the complex relationships among accelerating brick production, emergent air pollution risks, and evolving community health. Results reveal that Bangladesh’s brick industry is undergoing swift expansion nationally over time while concentrating on hotspots surrounding major cities. Brick production significantly correlates with seasonal air quality degradation, as indicated by increasing concentrations of CO, NO2, and SO2. We also found ostensible connections between high brickfield densities and upticks in nearby illness prevalence for pneumonia, hypertension, and diabetes. Meanwhile, the presence of unexplained disease clusters in various regions suggests that while brickfields contribute to health issues, they are part of a broader tapestry of social and environmental factors influencing community health. The analyses reveal the varied environment and health challenges caused by the unplanned industry growth, underscoring the urgent need for equitable and sustainable regulations to balance economic development with the well-being of local communities. This study will inform policymaking for brick industry management in Bangladesh and other developing countries, including zoning regulations, emissions controls, targeted public health interventions, and sustainable resource practices.