ASSESSMENT OF AIR POLLUTION SCENARIO IN CEMENT FACTORY: THE MONGLA PORT INDUSTRIAL ESTATE OF BANGLADESH AS A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Cement industries are responsible for huge amount of air pollution, which is harmful for relevant workers health. This study was carried out to measure the emission rate of SPM, SO2 and NO2 and impact on the workers health of cement factories of the Mongla Port Industrial Estate of Bangladesh. It has been found that the emission rate of SPM, SO2 and NO2 is above the acceptable limit of the Environmental Conservation Rule, 1997 of Bangladesh Government. As a result of air pollution, most of the workers between 15 to 50 years age groups are affected by asthma (34%) and respiratory infection (35%). Bronchitis is a major threat to the workers of above 50 years age. Again, the workers working for the long time in the cement factories are highly susceptible to the diseases like bronchitis, asthma. Except respiratory infection, female workers are more at risk of diseases happened by air pollution than male workers. The results of the study imply that immediate remedial actions are crucial to minimize the air pollution of cement factories and its impact on the workers health.