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Workforce at risk for use of toxic chemicals

Study reveals 21 people die every month

BSS, Dhaka
Rampant use of toxic chemicals at workplace is putting the large workforce of the country at risk, according to a recent survey that revealed that at least 21 people die every month from such chemicals.
"Indiscriminate use of chemicals at workplaces is a common phenomenon in our country. Hundreds of people die annually thanks to their hazardous jobs, particularly in ship-breaking, tannery and chemical industries," said Dr Shahriar Hossain, a national expert on chemical safety.
The survey was conducted by Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and
Environment Foundation (OSHE).
As per a report of International Labour Organization (ILO), about two million people die annually across the world due to chemical related diseases, while about 160 million people are affected by such diseases.
In one-third of these cases, the illness increases the number of accidents at work places, the report said.
Citing different studies in Bangladesh, Dr Shahriar said, “Around 85 percent of farmers are exposed to hazardous pesticides and other chemicals during their work, while more than 30 percent of them become seriously ill.”
Workforce at risk
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He said in ship-breaking industries, more than 1,000 workers have died due to chemical poisoning in the country since 1996, while around 20,000 tannery workers are at risk when working.
Almost all workers are exposed to toxic chemicals at their work stations, while three hundred to five hundred workers lose their jobs due to serious illness every year, said the ILO report
According to a study jointly conducted by ILO, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) and signed by Regional Technical Assistance Agreement (RETA) in November 2000, the occupational health and safety service in Bangladesh is still at the developmental stage.
A report of World Health Organisation (WHO) states that long-term exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of developmental and reproductive disorders, immune-system disruption, endocrine disruption, impaired nervous system function, and development of certain cancers.
Expressing concern over uncontrolled use of chemicals at workplaces, Labour Advisor of Bangladesh Employers' Federation (BFF) Kazi Saifuddin Ahmed said, "Lack of knowledge and little awareness of employers and labourers are also responsible for the hazard ... both employers and workers will have to be conscious to minimize the health risk."
Dermatologist of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Dr Dipak Kumer Das said, the chemicals can enter human body in three ways - inhalation, absorption (when it passes through the skin and eyes), and ingestion.