Abstract:
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the significant environmental impacts rising due to the rapid proliferation of brick kilns industries in the large metropolitan areas. Brick kilns, the informal firms – low-technology unlicensed micro-enterprises – are contributing to the potential depletion of resources in the form of fuel consumption, land depletion, air and water pollution, and multiple health effects.
For collection of data two surveys were conducted at Dhok Saidan and Fateh Jung in the premises of Rawalpindi Islamabad region. 50 Questionnaires were prepared and filled by interviewing various contractors, Munshees and workers at 50 kiln sites in the two areas. Questionnaires mainly focused consumption and depletion of raw materials. Results indicate that around 130-150 tons of coal is monthly consumed by just one brick kiln to produce 600,000-700,000 bricks. As the demand for construction materials increases the pressure builds up on resources. Soil another raw-material for bricks manufacturing is rapidly being utilized, monthly consumption of soil at one kiln is around 720 tons which means a huge proportion of topsoil is depleting each year. Brick kilns also effect human health quantitatively, a proportion of questionnaires emphasized the health conditions of workers, delivering the outrageous results. Workers are exposed to dust particles and are susceptible to multiple pulmonary and musculo-skeletal complications. Another important environmental aspect observed at the kiln sites were opened abandoned pits filled with monsoon water, an exceptional breeding ground for mosquitoes. So samples of few mosquitoes were collected through spray sheet collection techniques and were analyzed at zoology department (Entomology section) at Peshawar University, Malarial mosquitoes being quite common at the Fateh Jung kilns.
Energy-efficient and cost-effective technologies should be developed to reduce consumption of raw materials and to meet up the increasing demands. Implementation of industrial hygiene and use of personal protection equipment while at work could help to protect the health of brick kiln workers.
