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Persistent Threat: PFAS in Textiles and Water in Molla Bazar Community, Bangladesh - 2024

 

Location of affected community Molla Bazar in Ashulia, Dhaka, Bangladesh

© Google Earth, ESDO/IPEN

According to research by ESDO and IPEN conducted in 2019 and 2021 and published in 2024 Molla Bazar Community is one of the communities affected by chemical pollution (PFAS).  Molla Bazar is near Jamgora, Ashulia. Nearby areas are Kathgora, Baipayl, Savar, Savar DOHS, and Tongi. Molla Bazar Community location close to Nayanjholi Khal raises concerns about the possibility of pollution spreading to other villages and the effects that it could have on those communities. Most of the largest factories are located here and most of the workers, approximately 15,000-20,000 people, live here. In the past there was a khal that is now filled with household waste. People of this area experiencing various health problems, particularly related to skin issues such as allergies. Difficulty breathing, indicating potential respiratory health concerns. They experienced skin problems because of their frequent contact with dying in factories, and some participants were currently suffering from skin problems. They willingly showed the team the skin lesions in their bodies, particularly in their hands and legs.

 

Sampling Site

© ESDO, IPEN

Basic Information

Case ID: 2024.011

Identification Number from Open Supply Hub (OS-ID): BD201924879X5H3

Open supply hub link

Affected Country: Bangladesh

Ecological Sector Risks concerned:

  • Soil contamination
  • Food contamination
  • Water and freshwater pollution
  • Chemicals of concern (as defined in UNEP Chemicals in Products Programme) (use or exposure or emission)

Community Details

Name of community:
Molla Bazar Community

District of community:
Ashulia (Dhaka Export Processing Zone)

Dhaka

Bangladesh

Known effects on communities:

Environmental Issues

  • Poor waste management
  • Poor drainage system
  • Temperature increased
  • Water logging
  • Increased mosquito infestation

Health Issues

  • Itching
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Allergies
  • Eyesite problems

Workers movement

No information about unions available.

No information about workers committees available.

Business Relations

It is not known, whether at least one of the buyers has the duty to report according to the Supply Chain Act / CSDDD.

Known business relationship to factory:

Nearby factories include Windy Group, Sharmin Group, Ha-Meem Group, Wintex Garments Ltd. (OS-ID BD201924879X5H3) and Ethical Garments. 

Follow up

Known Reaction by Buyer(s):

Not applicable at this moment.

Sources

Name of reporting organisation: ESDO and IPEN

Source of information about the case:

https://ipen.org/sites/default/files/documents/pfas-textiles-water-bangladesh-v3.pdf

Contributor: HEJ Support

 

  • Last updated on .

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