Global Journal of Human Social Science, C: Sociology and Culture, Volume 22 Issue 1

heat, irritative mood, and menstrual sickness were pointed out by the respondents of the study. v. Physical health problems Headache was the most common illness for 33% of the respondents when 27% of women responded regarding eye irritation. 47% of the respondents were identified with skin-related problems, including skin irritation, burning and tingling sensation in hands and feet, itching, prickly heat, and desquamation of hand skin. Both stomach ache and recurrent fever were found in 20% of the respondents, whereas 13% confirmed that they were affected by shortness of breath. Only one among all respondents was detected with severe cold and coughing problems all year round. vi. Psychological health problems “Irritable mood” as an indicator of poor mental health was found in 40% interviewed population. Emission of the pollutants into the air results in warming the environment. As a consequence, it impacts the mental health of people by increasing irritability, fatigue, and depression. Specifically, it becomes intolerable for aged women. This fact was uttered by one of the elderly respondents- “I feel uncomfortable in hot, humid weather. It makes me get cranky.” (Maleka Begum, 65 years old respondent) Apart from affecting the mood and emotions, the rise in air temperature contributes to causing anger and stress illness which was demonstrated by the words of a respondent- “In warm weather, I feel angry. Even any kind words or good talk bother me so much at this time.”(Sanjida, 16 years old respondent) Some psychological depressions in women are associated with the sickness of dependent members (e.g., children and elderly) of their households. The respondents mentioned that they undergo anxiety, stress, and frustration when the kids and elderly of the family suffer from illness- Volume XXII Issue I Version I 52 ( ) Global Journal of Human Social Science - Year 2022 © 2022 Global Journals C Women’s Perception of Air Pollution and Associated Health Hazard Aspects – A Study in Low- Income Urban Space in Bangladesh tingling sensation in hands and feet, itching, prickly “We are not well. Seeing my children suffering from cold, fever, rash, boil, pimples and allergy is depressing.” (Safura, 23 years old respondent). vii. Reproductive health problems The majority of the respondents ignored the reproductive health problems due to air pollution. Only 13% of the women interviewed in-depth brought the matter in front. It appeared from the respondents’ observation that the shift from the previous location to the current one impacted their menstruation cycle and period flow. Moreover, one of the respondents reported the complications that she faced during her pregnancy – “I have two kids. I did not go through any complications during my first pregnancy when I was living in my village. After shifting to this present area, I endured persistent nausea and vomiting during my second pregnancy. I think the pollution of air is responsible for my such sickness.” (Safura, 23 years old respondent) viii. Medical help-seeking behavior Different behaviors have been seen among the respondents regarding seeking medical treatment when they get sick. 60% of the respondents pay no heed to the health problems proceeding from air pollution and avoid going to the doctor. 20% of the respondents were found to have gone to a doctor once or more for the treatment of skin allergy, irritation, and severe itching. Only one of all respondents was detected with serious difficulty in breathing for what she had to take medicine and get admitted to hospital for half a week. 20% of the respondents received medical care for chronic health hazards, including diabetes and peptic ulcers. The respondents affected by peptic ulcers mentioned “in taking much oily food on a regular basis” was liable for their sickness. The patients of the chronic diseases had gone to the doctor and got admission to the hospital when their sickness emerged with severity. Though respondents were found to have a careless attitude towards seeking medical help during their illness, they had a concern about their children’s health issues.13% of the respondents confirmed that they avoid seeking medication during their health crises, but do not do the same for their children. Reliance on homeopathy treatments or medical treatment from the nearby health service centers was found among the respondents. However, only one respondent marked economic insolvency as the reason behind the avoidance of seeking medical treatment. V. D iscussion The poor urban residents in squatter settlements and nearby dumping grounds tend to be affected by air pollution more than other social classes. Among such populations, women and dependent members (e.g., children and elderly) suffer a great deal in terms of their health and well-being. Women living in the backward urban region are considered more vulnerable than their male counterparts to the impacts of divergent environmental crises, including air pollution. Sensibly, women in poor households with having no education is a common facet in urban impoverished communities of Bangladesh. Completion of primary or secondary level of education does not necessarily ensure that women get enlightened with environmental consciousness or sound knowledge relating to environmental crises. Survival in a polluted area and Another respondent pointed her finger at air pollution for causing the death of her beloved son. The unexpected loss had made her go through immense grief and trauma for a long time. Need to add, this case proved the fact that air pollution is one of the environmental risks for premature deaths.