Chemical hazards Textile industry in Bangladesh

1 chemical hazards

1.1 bleaching agents , azo dyes
1.2 sandblasting

1.2.1 prevention strategies


1.3 potassium permanganate

chemical hazards
bleaching agents , azo dyes

bangladeshi leather industry. 0.5 million residents of bangladesh capital, dhaka @ risk of serious health issues due chemical pollution tanneries near homes.

there wide range of chemicals utilized in textile production dyeing , printing, these workers can exposed to. these chemicals include not limited bleaching agents , azo dyes. azo dyes, such aniline , benzadine, accounting on 50% of dyes produced annually of 2006. due high stability in light , washing resistance microbial activity. toxic effects of these dyes include hypersensitivity , irritant effects such contact dermatitis , asthma, exposure related concerns such malignancies bladder, nasal, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectal, nasopharyngeal , lung cancers. studies have postulated hypersensitivity effects may due alterations in neutrophil function , sensitization, contributing chronic inflammatory diseases of skin , respiratory tract. once sensitization has occurred, individual becomes more susceptible developing allergic disease on subsequent contact offending agent. exposure these chemicals typically occurs via direct contact skin or inhalation of dye particles. while of 2006 there no evidence suggest dyestuffs in use in these industries harmful @ levels workers exposed to, there concern long term or accidental over-exposure. long term or excessive exposure can sensitize worker’s immune system, leading hypersensitivity reactions such asthma , atopic dermatitis on subsequent exposure mentioned above. additionally, studies have demonstrated concerns regarding exposure textile dyes , occupational bladder cancer due aniline dye intermediates such beta-naphthylamine , benzidine, has long been identified human urinary carcinogen. latency period between exposure , diagnosis has been estimated @ 23 years. of 2006, screening recommendations detection of long term health effects dye exposure included hematologic testing microcytic anemia , leukopenia. however, many females working in industry did not have access such screening , surveillance due lack of quality medical care.

sandblasting

sandblasting technique used on denim give garment worn look. sand used composed of 95% quartz , 15% feldspar. silicosis often-fatal lung disease caused exposure respirable silica dust. silicosis leads more severe lung diseases such as; lung cancer, bronchitis, , tuberculosis. in 2003, turkish investigators performed , published case study in journal of occupational health on 5 sandblasting factories. found workers inside poorly ventilated factories being exposed respirable silica dust 20 times of recommended safety levels. case study followed sample of sandblasters these factories, mean age of 23, , employment duration of 3 years. when study concluded, on 1 third of sandblasters had lab-confirmed silicosis , 2 workers had died during study.

prevention strategies

exposing dangers of sandblasting has forced government agencies step in , attempt contain , control amount of dust exposure. 1 method of containing silica dust addition of water. average respirable particulate levels drastically declined after water spray controls installed in stone crusher mill in india. measure brought light effectiveness of reducing silica exposure through relatively inexpensive modifications. may take time these factories comply permissible exposure limit silica @ least measures being implicated, or suggested, have positive health impact sandblasting workers.

potassium permanganate

another popular chemical involved in alternate sandblasting technique potassium permanganate or kmno4. odorless, dark purple, sand-like oxidizing agent. used lighten color of denim in specific areas. in process of sand blasting, worker sprays potassium permanganate on specific area on denim garment hose or brush. washed off, leaving chemical treated area lighter color surrounding untreated area. when potassium permanganate dries, bleach sprayed on top of treated area neutralize potassium permanganate , washed second time. there multiple exposure routes potassium permanganate cause serious adverse reactions worker, these are: dermal contact, contact eye, inhalation , ingestion. when potassium permanganate comes in contact skin, can cause irritation, deep burns, rashes , dying of skin. if potassium permanganate exposed eye, severe irritation permanent eye damage possible. inhalation of potassium permanganate can irritate respiratory tract , can lead chronic lung diseases such asthma, silicosis, , pulmonary edema. ingestion of potassium permanganate causes severe nausea , diarrhea , lastly, rare cases, chronic exposure potassium permanganate adversely affect liver , kidneys , may decrease fertility.