Abstracto

Household level cost of industrial pollution: A study in the industrial areas of Khulna city in Bangladesh

Anowara Khanam, Mohammed Ziaul Haider, Md.Shariful Islam

Urban air pollution, water pollution, improper disposal of industrial waste and noise pollution are some notable dimensions of environmental degradation in Bangladesh. These dimensions of environmental degradation are more severe in the city areas. Khulna is the third largest metropolitan city of Bangladesh which is situated in the south-west region of the country. Various types of industrial firms are located at Khalispur area of the city. The dwellers of the area face various types of environmental problems arisen from industrial pollution. This study narrowly defines industrial pollution as water pollution and air pollution generated from industrial units. The industrial firms dispose inorganic substances like mercury, sulphur compounds, lead, nitrates, cadmium and petrochemicals into water bodies which cause water pollution. Similarly, by emitting NitrogenOxides (NOx) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), industrial firms pollute the air in the study area. The effects of water and air pollution are farreaching which affect not only the environment, but also human health. Industrial pollution generates adverse effects on health and increases household costs leading to economic losses. This study tries to address household level costs associated with industrial pollution and finds that environmental awareness is required among citizens to take mitigating and averting measures.