Abstract

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSITION OF TOXIC CHEMICALS AND ITS IMPACT ON CITY DWELLER AT PABNA CITY, BANGLADESH

Mst. Mahabuba Aktar, Md. Fazle Rabbi, Sumaiya Rashid, Akila Farjana, Rumayesha, Aziza Afrin, Mst. Shanzida Parvin, Abul Kalam Azad, Most. Anika Naznin, Razia Sultana and G. M. Masud Parvez*

ABSTRACT

Hazardous chemicals in the atmosphere, drinking water, food, everyday items, and at workplace have the potential to cause cancer, fetal abnormalities, pulmonary, endocrine, cardiovascular, and urinary system diseases, along with neurodevelopmental and immunological diseases. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Pabna city in order to measure the exposure of environmental hazardous chemicals and its impact on health on slum duelers of various slums in Pabna city. This research was conducted by direct interviewing to the participants. About 1200 persons who are duelers of slums of Pabna city was interviewed. The highest number of study population are ‘ surrounded by different types of industries which accounts for 38.50%, followed by blockage of drainage system which consists of 24.83%. Inappropriate garbage dumping is linked with 24.75% respondents, and tannery is close to 3.58% participants. It was found that 20.58% people are in direct contact of different insecticides. In this study, only 6% respondents are drinking filtered water and 61% are drinking tube well water. About sixty percent (59.83%) city residents have used face mask to protect against toxic chemicals and gases while, 38.25% interviewee are not using any kind of protective measures against the pollution. Among the respiratory disease, 15.83% participants suffered from asthma, 12.50% suffered from sinusitis and 11.00% affected by bronchitis. About 30.92% respondents has allergic reaction, 21.17% has acne, 16.33% has fungal infection and 10.17% has scabies.

Keywords: Environmental pollution, respiratory disease, skin disease, protection, water source.