For centuries, brick kilns, characterised by fiery chimneys and billowing smoke, have played a key role in the construction industry. Despite their contribution in providing essential building materials, their operations entail harmful impacts on human health, biodiversity and environment. 

What is a Brick Kiln?

A brick kiln is a specialised facility used in the production of bricks, fundamental building blocks for construction. These kilns play a vital role in shaping the urban landscape. The process involves heating clay or other materials in furnaces to create bricks and contributes to the growth of infrastructure. However, the traditional methods employed in brick kilns can have environmental and health consequences, making it imperative to explore sustainable alternatives and technologies.

Impacts of Brick Kiln on Health

Particulate Matter Emissions

Brick kilns pose a major health risk due to the emission of particulate matter, including pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Inhaling these pollutants can irritate the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure may contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Read more: 9 illegal brick kilns shut down, fined Tk 47 lakh in Sirajganj

Respiratory Issues 

Prolonged exposure to emissions from brick kilns can lead to a range of respiratory problems. From workers within the kilns to residents in nearby communities, the inhalation of pollutants can result in asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments.

Occupational Health Risks

Workers directly involved in brick kiln operations face occupational health risks due to exposure to high temperatures, dust, and pollutants. Adequate safety measures and protective equipment are crucial to mitigating these risks.

Cardiovascular Problems 

Brick kiln fumes, laden with pollutants, can obstruct arteries, elevate blood pressure, and disturb heart rhythms. These adverse effects heighten the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, underlining the severe cardiovascular risks associated with exposure. 

Read more: 4 brick kilns shut down for polluting air in South Keraniganj

Skin Problems 

Dust and irritants emanating from brick kilns inflict skin torment on workers, causing rashes, itching, and burns. The daily grind leaves exposed skin raw, rendering workers vulnerable and uncomfortable in their work environment. 

Cancer 

Inhaling brick kiln fumes conceal invisible dangers, harbouring carcinogens that escalate cancer risks over time. Exposed workers face heightened threats of lung, skin, and other cancers, emphasising the risks associated with prolonged exposure.

Impacts of Brick Kilns on Biodiversity

Habitat Destruction

Brick kilns' expansion frequently devastates natural habitats, displacing diverse flora and fauna, and disrupting ecosystems. It causes a significant loss of crucial biodiversity. The establishment of kilns often requires clearing forests and natural vegetation, further destroying vital habitats for various species, and amplifying the environmental impact on our diverse ecosystems.  

Read more: Country has to move on from brick kilns to eco-friendly bricks: Saber

Loss of Flora and Fauna

As brick kilns encroach upon natural spaces, the intensified loss of plant and animal species exacerbates the global biodiversity crisis, disrupting the interconnected web of life. Acidic emissions from kilns contribute to water body acidification, harming sensitive aquatic species like fish and amphibians. It further threatens the delicate balance within ecosystems. 

Disruption of Ecosystems

The expansion of brick kilns severely disrupts the intricate balance within ecosystems, triggering cascading effects. This disruption extends beyond directly impacted areas, resonating through interconnected ecosystems. The far-reaching consequences underline the urgent need for sustainable practices and conscientious environmental management to mitigate the detrimental impact of brick kilns on our natural world. 

Impacts of Brick Kilns on the Environment

Air Quality Concerns

Brick kilns emit pollutants, including particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, compromising air quality and risking respiratory health in nearby communities. These harmful emissions contribute to smog, exacerbating respiratory problems. Additionally, the release of greenhouse gases like CO2 accelerates climate change, compounding environmental challenges. 

Read more: 500 brick kilns identified as most polluting: Minister

Water and Soil Contamination

Brick kiln operations release harmful substances, contaminating water bodies and soil. Runoff, laden with pollutants, threatens aquatic ecosystems and agricultural lands, impacting both wildlife and human activities. 

Clay extraction and kiln runoff introduce sediments and pollutants, harming aquatic life. Also, acidic emissions exacerbate water acidification, adversely affecting aquatic ecosystems and sensitive species. 

Deforestation and Habitat Loss

Expanding brick kilns frequently necessitates clearing forests, causing deforestation, habitat loss, and soil erosion. This diminishes the aesthetic and ecological value of affected areas, contributing to the global biodiversity crisis.  Again, clay extraction depletes nutrient-rich topsoil, reducing land fertility and impacting agricultural productivity.

Read more: Around 60 percent brick kilns are operating illegally: Minister

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Brick kilns contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, notably releasing carbon dioxide and other gases, exacerbating the global challenge of mitigating climate impacts. Urgent transition towards cleaner, sustainable technologies is imperative to curb these emissions and address the pressing concerns associated with climate change. 

Resource Depletion

Extraction and processing of raw materials for brick kilns contribute to resource depletion, particularly the demand for clay. This exerts pressure on natural resources, highlighting the urgency for responsible sourcing and recycling practices to safeguard the long-term health and sustainability of our environment. 

Additional Impacts

The continuous noise emitted by kilns disrupts wildlife behaviour and breeding patterns. Artificial lighting surrounding kilns poses a threat to nocturnal animals, disturbing their activities and migration patterns. These environmental disturbances underscore the need for mindful practices in industrial operations. 

Read more: HC asks for list of closed brick kilns around Dhaka

Alternative Solutions to Brick Kilns

Zigzag Kilns 

Zigzag kilns revolutionise brick-making, ingeniously directing air through stacked bricks. This innovation significantly reduces fuel consumption by 20-40%, emitting fewer harmful fumes. A triumph for cleaner air, conservation of fuel, and a happier planet, zigzag kilns present a win-win solution for both industry and the environment.

Vertical Shaft Brick Kilns (VSBKs) 

Envision a brick kiln resembling a fuel-sipping hummingbird! Vertical Shaft Brick Kilns (VSBKs) tower with gravity-driven, clever design, drastically cutting fuel requirements and emissions. Picture cleaner air, reduced climate impact, and perfectly baked bricks—an eco-friendly leap forward for the industry, marrying sustainability with superior craftsmanship.

Hybrid Hoffmann Kiln (HHK)

The Hybrid Hoffmann Kiln (HHK) transforms the game, merging the efficiency of zig-zag design with waste heat recovery. This innovative kiln recycles its heat, extracting maximum value from each fuel unit. A sustainable champion, the HHK slashes emissions and costs, while consistently delivering perfectly baked bricks. A paradigm shift for the industry!

Read more: Panchagarh: Marginal farming community’s hopes dashed by toxic, illegal brick kilns

Verdict

Development is necessary but not at the cost of health, environment and biodiversity. With the advent of new construction technologies it is high time to prevent the establishments of harmful brick kilns. The governments, and associated authorities need to take initiatives to replace the traditional brick kiln operations with cleaner technologies and sustainable practices. Furthermore, it is incumbent upon industries, environmentalists, and communities to collaborate in finding innovative solutions that balance the need for construction materials with environmental stewardship.