The Hidden Impact of Brick Kiln Pollution in Chakwal

District Chakwal of Punjab in Pakistan comprises an area of rolling hills, olive plantations, and natural lakes. However, underneath this picturesque region lies a serious environmental and public health problem. In recent times, the level of air pollution in the district has increased significantly. Although vehicle emissions and the burning of agricultural residues contribute to air pollution across Punjab, brick kilns remain steady sources of pollutants in the rural and peri-urban areas of Chakwal.

It is important to understand the damage brick kilns do to the environment and to decrease the AQI in the region.

What is Released During the Burning Process? Chemistry of Kiln Smoke

The adverse environmental effects of bricks start from the type of fuel used in their production process. In order to reduce production costs, fixed-chimney Bull's Trench Kilns use inefficient and highly polluting fuels. Some of the commonly used fuels include low-quality coal, burnt rubber tyres, plastics, and other agricultural wastes.

These fuels, when burnt at high temperatures, release highly toxic gases that include:

Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): PM2.5 are air particles measuring 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less, roughly 30 times smaller than a strand of hair. Due to their microscopic nature, these particles bypass some of the body's natural defence mechanisms in the respiratory system and enter deep into the lungs and bloodstream.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Gases formed due to the burning of fossil fuels that react with nitrogen oxides to create ground-level ozone.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): A dangerous gas that is emitted during the burning of fossil fuels and causes irritation in the respiratory tract. Its concentration should be compared with the applicable NEQS for ambient air.

Black Carbon: An important constituent of soot that absorbs heat from the sun in the atmosphere and warms up the regional climate.

Why Does Temperature Inversion Prevent Chakwal's Air From Escaping?

During the fall and winter seasons, air pollution in Chakwal increases significantly. The increasing air pollution in Chakwal is caused by an atmospheric event called a Temperature Inversion.

Generally, rising warm air in the atmosphere dissipates air pollution to higher altitudes. In winter, a layer of warm air behaves as a ceiling over the cool air near the surface in the Potohar Plateau region. Due to this layer of air, the poisonous emissions from brick kilns remain trapped in the atmosphere.

The readings taken through local monitors during high-production days can be viewed on the Punjab AQI Dashboard. When the concentration of fine particulate matter is significantly higher than the WHO's global air quality guidelines, it increases the health risk even for a healthy individual.

Environmental Impact Other than the Air

The effects of brick kilns do not only affect the air we breathe. They also directly affect the soil, waterways, and agricultural lands in their vicinity.

1. Depletion of Topsoil

A large amount of dense soil from which bricks are made needs to be extracted. In the course of doing this, brick kiln makers remove the top layer of soil known as topsoil, which is a layer containing lots of nutrients required for agriculture.

2. Reduction in Yield of Crops

Soot and black carbon particles fall upon the leaves of farmland crops and olive tree plantations. This results in the deposition of a layer of soot and black carbon on the leaves that prevents sunlight from reaching the plants and affects photosynthesis. Studies have found that soot reduces crop yields in polluted areas.

3. Acidification of Soil and Water

When sulfur dioxide (SO₂) reacts with the moisture available in the air, acids can form. If these substances return to the ground through precipitation, acidification of the soil and natural waters occurs.

Health Impact of Brick Kilns on Local Communities

Exposure to pollution generated by brick kilns has serious health implications for local communities. The number of respiratory diseases can increase, especially during the peak production season. As per public health research, exposure to fine particulate matter emitted due to the burning of fossil fuels has the following health implications:

• Development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma attacks, and persistent coughing problems.
• Eye and throat irritation among outdoor workers and school-going children.
• Increased cardiovascular disease risks due to fine particulate matter, which can cause inflammation in the body when it enters the bloodstream.

For the workers of brick kilns who work for long periods in the vicinity of fires without any safety equipment, their health risks increase further.

Industry Modernization: Practical Approach

Control of air pollution cannot be achieved through stopping construction and brick-making. It needs modernization of old-fashioned kilns and adherence to environmental rules.

Conclusion

Clean air can be achieved by adopting modernization of brick-making through compulsory Zigzag technology to reduce emissions and the use of coal; a complete ban on harmful fuels such as tyres and plastics; and the use of alternative methods such as AAC and Compressed Earth Blocks. These processes can be supported through legislation via EPA Punjab's Pre-Smog Action Plan and its real-time monitoring system, providing a definite way forward in reducing pollution in the industry and beyond.