A Study on Impact of Natural Background Radiation and Physical Environment on Health of the Slum People in Khulna City

Abstract

In urban areas of developing countries the presence of slum is very common. Bangladesh is one of the rapidly urbanizing countries. The number of slums has significantly increased in Bangladesh over the last three decades along with the expansion of cities and towns. Basic facilities are very much unsatisfactory for the slum people. Due to lack of proper water supply and sanitation system they suffer several diseases. Natural uranium concentration is also high in tube well water which is responsible for kidney diseases. The urban population particularly poor live in a crowded, damp and highly polluted environment. Against this background the study was performed in Khulna city. The present work has been designed to investigate the life-style health, sanitation profile, the existing status of access of the slum dwellers, identify the status of water use, hygienic condition, background radiation conditions and its impact on health of the slum people of Jabdipur slum, Bagmara slum, Bastuhara slum and Muripotty slum of Khulna City in Bangladesh. The area has been selected by using purposive sampling technique and data has been collected from 339 households, which have been surveyed by using systematic random sampling technique. Data has also been collected via questionnaires, personal interview, and direct observation and focus group discussions. It has also been explored the water security and safety at the point of consumption, problems faced in getting safe drinking water, drainage facilities, solid waste disposal system, knowledge of the features of hygienic latrine, awareness about health etc. It has been found that the services to water supply, sanitation and health is hardly related to income, occupation, housing and educational status. It has also been found that housing structure and occupational pattern of the slum people are highly vulnerable situation. Income level, sanitation, solid waste disposal and drainage pattern are in greater vulnerable situation. The work may attribute to further research on water supply and sanitation study. It will guide those who will work to improve the present.