The ever-expanding traditional brick industry is a labor-intensive, low-technology activity found in Bangladesh. While environmental pollutants associated with brickmaking have been characterized, the effects of these pollutants on the workers themselves have received relatively little attention. Brick production is a labor-demanding industry requiring muscular energy at most of its production stages. But workers get very little cash compared to their hard work.
Brick kilns are a source of black carbon and air pollution. The brick kilns emit toxic fumes containing suspended particulate matter rich in carbon particles and high concentrations of carbon monoxides and oxides of sulfur (SOx) that are harmful to the eye, lungs and throat. These air pollutants stunt the mental and physical growth of children.