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Bangladesh Post-ESDO Roundtable

Quick steps to fight PFAS contamination stressed


Published : 28 Sep 2024 10:48 PM | Updated : 28 Sep 2024 10:48 PM

Experts at a roundtable discussion on Saturday warned of the danger of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and called for immediate action to prevent their harmful effects on public health and environment.

They voiced the warning at the discussion titled “Persistent Threat: PFAS in Textiles and Water in Bangladesh,” held at the Bangladesh Post conference room in the capital.

The Bangladesh Post and Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), jointly organised the event. 

Chairperson of the ESDO Syed Margub Murshed, also a former secretary, addressed the event as the guest of honour with Acting Editor of the Bangladesh Post ASMA Khaleque in the chair.

Shanon Iffat Alam, Programme Associate of ESDO, and Sara Anwar Tethy, Junior Research and Policy Associate, presented the findings of a recent study that found the textile industry as a major contributor to PFAS contamination in Bangladesh. The speakers said that Bangladesh’s textile industry is one of the primary sources of PFAS pollution and also called on the regulatory bodies in the sector to take measures to control PFAS to protect public health and the environment.

Syed Maghrub Murshed said, “A coordinated effort is essential to tackle the PFAS issue. It won’t be solved overnight, but we can make gradual progress in this regard by taking steps.” 

Thanking the Bangladesh Post for taking such initiative to draw public attention to the matter, he laid emphasis on the role of media in raising awareness about PEAS contamination. 

In his speech, ASMA Khaleque said, “PFAS is linked to high cholesterol level and insidious disease like cancer. Taking the matter seriously, people from all walks of life should come forward to address the problem. It brooks no delay”.

Ahammad Parvej Khan, Business Editor of the Bangladesh Post, delivered welcome speech at the event, while Dr Shahriar Hossain, General Secretary of ESDO, moderated it.

Dr Mohammad Enayet Hossain, Associate Professor of the Department of Soil, Water & Environment at Dhaka University, highlighted the lack of sufficient work on PFAS in Bangladesh. 

He said that these chemical substances pose various health risks, including reduced fertility, low birth weight and liver damage. 

Dr Enayet Hossain also mentioned that PFAS is also found in pizza boxes and burger packaging. “We must work together to protect our future generation from PFAS contamination,” he added. 

Minhazul Haque, Director of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), pointed out that PFAS is not only found in garment factories but also in all the industries.

He said PFAS pollution can be reduced but complete elimination is challenging. Haque also noted that PFAS is also found in various cosmetics products like lipstick and shampoo. 

“Since PFAS contaminate water, we must be careful of drinking water. The US has already conducted extensive research on PFAS,” Minhazul Haque added.

He also stressed the need for awareness programme and preparing clear guidelines to prevent PFAS contamination.

Razeeb Haider, Director of Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and Shams Mahmud, Director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), among others, spoke at the programme.