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Increasing salinity of freshwater from environmental and anthropogenic influences is threatening the health of 35 million inhabitants in coastal Bangladesh. Yet little is known about the characteristics of their exposure to salt (sodium), a major risk factor for hypertension and related chronic diseases. This research examined sodium consumption levels and associated factors in young adults. We assessed spot urine samples for 282 participants (19–25 years) during May–June 2014 in a rural sub-district in southwestern coastal Bangladesh and measured sodium levels of their potable water sources. The significant factors associated with high sodium consumption were determined from logistic regression analyses. Mean sodium content in tube-well water (885 mg/L) was significantly higher than pond water (738 mg/L) (P = 0.01). Fifty three percent of subjects were consuming sodium at levels above the WHO recommended level (≥2 g/day). The users of tube-well water were more likely to consume sodium above this recommended level than pond water users. Salinity problems are projected to increase with climate change, and with large populations potentially at risk, appropriate public health and behavior-change interventions are an urgent priority for this vulnerable coastal region along with targeted research to better understand sodium exposure pathways and health benefits of alternative water supplies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh is recognized as one of the most vulnerable countries due to climate-induced sea level rise and further exacerbation of the current conditions is anticipated in light of the projected climate scenarios. Saltwater intrusion to fresh water resources is one of the most important impacts of sea level rise in low-lying costal areas. Despite the widespread and growing problem of water salinity and population affected in low-lying coastal areas including in Bangladesh, evidence on human health impacts of water salinity is scarce. One important health risk potentially related to water salinity is high blood pressure. The epidemiological research examining the health impacts of drinking water sodium (water salinity) on blood pressure and as a consequence to other health conditions such as heart diseases, stroke, and kidney damage is yet to be explored. Given the extent of the problems of water salinity globally and in Bangladesh, further research is urgently required to assess the risk of water salinity on blood pressure and other health conditions within different populations and age groups, in order to promote appropriate prevention strategies. This paper describes the impacts of sea level rise and saltwater intrusion and identifies potential research gaps in order to make relevant policy recommendations in the context of coastal Bangladesh and similar settings in low-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]