What are the health impacts of increasing salinity on women in the Sundarbans?
Increasing salinity in the Sundarbans can have significant health impacts on women living in the region. One of the primary concerns is nutritional deficiencies. High salinity levels in water and soil can hinder the growth of crops and availability of freshwater fish, leading to reduced dietary diversity and intake of essential vitamins and minerals. This can contribute to malnutrition and related health issues among women. Additionally, elevated salinity levels can contaminate drinking water sources with salt and other pollutants, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and dysentery among women who consume contaminated water. Exposure to saline water and air can also cause skin irritation, dermatitis, and respiratory problems, particularly among women engaged in activities such as fishing and farming where they come into direct contact with saline water and mud. Reproductive health is another area of concern. Increased salinity levels may lead to higher