Assessing the Environmental and Health Impacts of Cashew Processing: Pathway Analysis of Pollution Sources, Emissions, and Intervention Strategies
Cashew processing; Emission; Environmental; Intervention strategies; Pollution
This study investigates the environmental and health impacts of cashew processing in Kollam, Kerala, renowned globally as the Cashew Capital of the World. While the cashew industry is a significant economic driver, providing employment to thousands primarily women and boosting Kerala's export revenue, its environmental footprint has raised growing concerns. Cashew processing generates considerable waste, including emissions from the roasting process, shell waste, and pollutants, which affect air, water, and soil quality. These environmental issues pose a threat to nearby ecosystems and raise health risks for workers and local communities, including respiratory, skin, and cardiovascular conditions due to exposure to toxic fumes and chemical residues. This study aims to balance economic advantages with environmental sustainability by conducting a pathway analysis of pollution sources, emissions, and potential interventions. Employing a mixed-method approach that includes stratified sampling and statistical techniques such as Chi-Square Tests and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the research assesses pollution levels, health impacts, and current sustainability practices within the industry. Through a comprehensive evaluation, the study offers actionable recommendations for mitigating the environmental impact of cashew processing. This analysis provides a foundation for policy reforms and green technology adoption, ensuring the long-term viability of Kollam's cashew industry while safeguarding public health and ecological balance. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.
Studies in Systems, Decision and Control;Volume;608;pp.657-672
Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-96641-5_55 https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105020475068?origin=resultslist
Remmiya Rajan P., Zamorins Guruvayurappan College, Kozhikode, India; Rishikesh K.B., CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India