Coal crushing and other dust related work at the brick kilns pose serious risk to human health as they often forget to follow health guidelines and wear proper safety gears. It may result several problems including deadly lung diseases.
A five-year survey by the Department of Environment (DOE) found Narayanganj has the most polluted air. Many workers in several brick kilns have been working in the area for so long without following proper rules.
The dust and coal in brick kiln is known as very risky. The dust of coal and brick kiln together can have serious consequence on the health of workers, especially, those who work without any protection or safety equipments. Despite this problem the workers are working there for their survival.
Dulal, one of the workers in a brick kiln in Narayanganj, said that we often feel sick after working in such environment. But, I have no other choice as I am the only earning person of my family. However, he admitted that many of them are reluctant to follow the health guidelines.
Coal dust is produced by crushing or grinding coal. The crushing of coal generates different types of compounds that are released into the environment. Coal dust is easily created due to its brittle nature and can cause acute pulmonary diseases. Inhaled dust progressively builds up in the lungs. Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), also known as black lung disease or black lung, is caused by long-term exposure to coal dust. It is a common disease among people who work with coals.
Dr Mirza Mohammad Eshrak of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) told the Bangladesh Post, “People who work in a polluted environment and coal crushing sites are often suffer from pulmonary fibrosis, nystagmus, anthracosis and other lung-related diseases.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), “Having poor quality air continuously can cause heart diseases, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and respiratory infections including pneumonia.”
In order to avoid the inhalation of coal and other dust produced in brick kiln, wearing ventilated masks and use of safety equipments are must to do.
