Pollution-Induced Physical Health Burdens: A Systematic Review of Global, South Asian and Bangladeshi Evidence

Abstract

This study presents a systematic review of published research articles based on pollution outcomes on physical health at a global, South Asian, and Bangladesh level between the years 2000 and 2024. The review employed the PRISMA 2020 framework to identify and evaluate peer-reviewed articles and credible reports which consider the health effects of exposure to air, water, soil, noise, and occupational pollution. Seventy studies were eventually incorporated by using explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings reveal air pollution as the highest contributor to a broad variety of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer. Communicable diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis are strongly related to water pollution in low-income countries. Although pollution impacts are being addressed in high-income countries by establishing regulations, countries in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, are continuing to experience increased health challenges ascribable to poor governance, poor infrastructure, and industrial activity. The review also identifies critical research gaps, such as a lack of longitudinal and rural area-focused studies in Bangladesh. These findings emphasize the significance of integrated pollution control policy, population health strategy and collaboration among regions to reduce pollution-related morbidity and mortality rates. The review enhances the broader understanding of environmental health disparities and provides a basis for policy and research on reducing environmental risks.