This study offers a thorough assessment of the environmental and working conditions in brick kilns
near Dhaka, as well as the related health effects on employees. Extensive data collection among
urban, rural, and semi-urban kiln sites revealed distinct patterns linking unhealthy health outcomes to
poor air quality, demanding work environments, and insufficient occupational safety measures.
Analysis of air pollutants revealed that PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations frequently exceeded WHO-
recommended thresholds, especially in cluster kilns and during the driest periods. These high
pollution levels, which corresponded to Level 4 (unhealthy) categories of the Air Quality Index
(AQI), were more common in urban areas. The use of conventional fixed chimney kilns (65.3%) and
coal as the primary fuel in 62.5% of kilns seem to increase pollution levels. Furthermore,
comparative statistical data confirmed that workers in cluster kilns were exposed to significantly
higher levels than those in single kilns (p < 0.001). Respiratory health is significantly compromised,
according to health assessment instruments like the Lung Function Questionnaire (LFQ), Asthma
Control Test (ACT), FeNO levels, and spirometry. Employees with elevated FeNO levels
demonstrated increased airway inflammation, while those with high PM10 exposure had significantly
lower lung function scores. Workers who produced more bricks and were exposed to higher PM
concentrations had the worst asthma control. The biological cost of prolonged exposure to pollutants
is highlighted by these findings. Significant correlations between PM2.5 exposure and symptoms
related to the skin, eyes, heart, and lungs were validated by regression and chi-square analyses. For
instance, the prevalence of shortness of breath, eye irritation, and cardiovascular problems like high
blood pressure and chest pain was higher among employees exposed to higher PM2.5 levels. Blood
pressure status was found to be significantly predicted by job roles, brick production volume, and
kiln type using multinomial logistic regression. Supervisors and molders were more likely to have
normal or high-normal blood pressure than firefighters and garbage men. The distribution of health
issues was also remarkable: over 55% of workers had impaired lung function, 30.6% reported
cardiovascular symptoms, and 41.1% showed signs of respiratory illness. Both asthma and COPD
were common; 31.1% had poor asthma control, and 51.4% had moderate COPD. Many workers,
however, did not have access to protective gear, healthcare, or knowledge of the dangers.
Additionally, demographic information was important. Whereas older, urban-based workers showed
more symptoms, younger, rural workers frequently had better lung function. Results were also
influenced by smoking habits, BMI, and education. Although smokers had paradoxical odds for
normal lung function and less severe COPD, they were notably more likely to develop intermittent
asthma—possibly as a result of sampling differences. All things considered, this study emphasizes
the critical need for interventions. A combination of cleaner kiln technologies, more stringent air
quality regulations, regular health examinations, and worker education can lower exposure risks and
enhance public health outcomes for this susceptible group.