Research Review: Industrial Air Pollution and Health Risks in Dhaka

A critical analysis of particulate matter exposure and cancer risk assessment in Tejgaon Industrial Area

Introduction and Research Context

As an environmental researcher specializing in urban air quality, I recently examined the study "Spatial Distribution and Health Risk Assessment of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in the Tejgaon Industrial Area in Dhaka, Bangladesh" published in the Journal of Agroforestry and Environment. This research addresses a critical gap in understanding industrial air pollution dynamics in one of Dhaka's most significant industrial zones, providing valuable insights into both environmental contamination and public health implications.

Methodological Framework

Research Design and Implementation

The study employs a comprehensive approach combining spatial analysis with health risk assessment methodologies. The research design includes 26 strategically selected sampling points across Tejgaon Industrial Area, with temporal sampling across morning, afternoon, and evening periods to capture diurnal variations.

The use of Airveda portable monitors for PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ measurements, coupled with GIS-based spatial interpolation using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), represents a robust methodological framework. The health risk assessment component, incorporating Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Estimated Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) calculations following USEPA guidelines, adds significant depth to the analysis.

Key Scientific Contributions

The most significant finding of this research is the quantification of cancer risks from PM_2.5 exposure, with ELCR values 2-8 times higher than acceptable limits for children, representing a serious public health concern that demands immediate policy attention.

Spatial-Temporal Pollution Patterns

The research successfully documents extreme pollution levels, with PM_2.5 concentrations reaching 327 μg/m³ and PM₁₀ reaching 443 μg/m³ at site S-16 (104 Shahed Tajuddin Ahmed Avenue). These values substantially exceed both WHO guidelines and Bangladesh's national standards, highlighting the severity of air quality degradation in the area.

Health Risk Quantification

The study provides crucial quantitative data on health risks, with Hazard Quotient values consistently >1 across all sites (2.5-14 for PM_2.5 and 2.1-8.9 for PM₁₀), indicating significant non-carcinogenic risks. The cancer risk assessment reveals particularly alarming results for children's health.

Critical Health Risk Findings

• Children's Vulnerability: ELCR values of 1.90×10^-4 to 8.21×10^-4 for children, significantly exceeding the acceptable threshold of 1×10^-6 to 1×10^-4
• Adult Cancer Risks: ELCR values of 6×10^-5 to 2.63×10^-4 for adults, also surpassing acceptable limits
• Non-carcinogenic Risks: HQ values consistently indicating potential adverse health effects across all age groups
• Spatial Hotspots: Site S-16 identified as having the highest health risks, requiring prioritized intervention

Notable Methodological Strengths

• Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Integration of both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk evaluations
• Age-Specific Analysis: Separate risk calculations for children and adults, acknowledging differential vulnerability
• Spatial Explicit Approach: GIS mapping enables targeted identification of pollution hotspots
• Standardized Protocols: Adherence to USEPA guidelines ensures methodological rigor and comparability
• Multi-temporal Design: Diurnal variation analysis provides insights into exposure patterns

Research Limitations and Knowledge Gaps

• Chemical Speciation: Lack of PM chemical composition analysis limits source apportionment precision
• Seasonal Variation: Data collection limited to July-August period misses seasonal pollution dynamics
• Meteorological Factors: Limited consideration of how weather conditions influence pollution dispersion
• Population Exposure: No direct measurement of actual population exposure levels
• Economic Analysis: Absence of cost-benefit analysis for proposed mitigation measures

Policy and Practical Implications

The research provides compelling evidence for urgent policy interventions in Tejgaon Industrial Area. The identified pollution hotspots and quantified health risks offer clear targets for regulatory action and public health interventions. The findings particularly emphasize the need for child-protective measures given their heightened vulnerability.

Research-Informed Recommendations

• Immediate Regulatory Action: Enhanced enforcement of emission standards in identified hotspot areas
• Child Protection Measures: Special safeguards for schools and residential areas with high child populations
• Continuous Monitoring: Establishment of real-time air quality monitoring network in industrial zones
• Green Infrastructure: Strategic implementation of vegetation barriers and green spaces
• Source-Specific Controls: Targeted interventions for major pollution sources identified in the study
• Public Health Campaigns: Awareness programs focusing on most vulnerable populations

Research Significance and Future Directions

This study makes a substantial contribution to understanding industrial air pollution in South Asian urban contexts. The integration of spatial analysis with quantitative health risk assessment provides a model for similar studies in other rapidly industrializing regions.

Future research should build on this foundation by incorporating chemical speciation of particulate matter, expanding temporal coverage to capture seasonal variations, and conducting economic analyses of intervention strategies. Longitudinal studies tracking health outcomes in relation to pollution exposure would further strengthen the evidence base for policy action.

Conclusion

This research represents a significant advancement in understanding air pollution challenges in Bangladesh's industrial heartland. The methodological rigor, comprehensive risk assessment, and spatial explicit approach provide valuable insights for both scientific understanding and policy formulation. While certain limitations exist, particularly regarding chemical characterization and seasonal variation, the study successfully highlights the urgent need for intervention to protect public health, especially vulnerable child populations.

The findings serve as a crucial evidence base for environmental regulators, urban planners, and public health authorities working to address the complex challenge of industrial air pollution in rapidly urbanizing contexts.

Reviewed Research:
Basak, S. B., Sojib, M. R. H., Hossain, M. M., Khan, M. A., Islam, M. M., Mollah, M. S., & Hasan, M. (2025). Spatial Distribution and Health Risk Assessment of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in the Tejgaon Industrial Area in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Journal of Agroforestry and Environment, 18(1), 112-120.

Reviewer Perspective:
This analysis was conducted from an environmental research perspective, focusing on methodological rigor, scientific contribution, and practical applicability of the findings for air quality management and public health protection in industrial urban areas.