It is alleged that many owners of washing and dyeing plants in Narayanganj are marketing toxic salt in the name of pure table salt. They are mixing cheap quality Glauber’s salt (Sodium Sulfate) used for washing and dyeing clothes with common salt to make quick profit.
And this poses a serious threat to public health and safety, as the consumption of this toxic salt causes health hazards.
A story titled “Toxic salt gluts mkt” published in Bangladesh Post on Monday says about 20 licensed salt traders in Nitaiganj and other parts of the country are reportedly involved in marketing this toxic salt. It has an annual demand of 3.83 lakh tonnes, but last year the businessmen imported 14, 40, 758 lakh tonnes.
The government should take immediate
action against dishonest traders engaged
in marketing toxic salt
Five kinds of salt such as Sodium Chloride (NaCl), Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Sulphate, Sodium Bromide and Sodium Iodide are being used for different industrial purposes. Of them, only Sodium Chloride (NaCl) which is known as table or edible salt is used in cooking and at the table. And it is refined salt containing about 97 to 99 percent sodium chloride.
Earlier authorities concerned launched a crackdown on the marketing of toxic salt and its use in table salt. During the drive, they also unearthed such illegal business. And the authorities concerned had shut down their business establishments.
But in a span of a few months, traders have started running their illegal business again under the very nose of the authorities concerned as it fetches huge profit. If such toxic salt is consumed for long there will be serious health effects, including possible damage to the kidney, liver and other organs.
We think the government will have to take the issue seriously and go for immediate action against dishonest traders engaged in marketing toxic salt.