As opposed to natural dyes, synthetic dyes contain heavy metals like lead, chromium and copper. being exposed to these dyes for long periods of time can be toxic as these metals and salts enter the body. The effects of these dyes on humans can be poisonous and devastating.
Ridwanul Haque is the chief executiove of a bengali NGO named Agroho. Haque called toxic chemical pollution a "huge problem in a country like Bangladesh." Haque, whose organization provides clean drinking water and free medical care to marginalized communities, said the rivers and canals that run through Dhaka have turned a "pitch black color" due to the sludge and sewage produced by textile dyeing and processing factories.
"People don't have gloves or sandals, they're barefoot, they don't have masks, and they are working with dangerous chemicals or dyes in a congested area. They are like sweat factories,"
Bangladesh is the worlds second largest garment manufacturer after China. Like China most the clothes that are manufactured here are shipped to North America and Europe. however the manufacturing of clothing is responsible for one fifth of all the water pollution in the country, as waste water from the dyeing process is dumped into the surrounding rivers and streams. This results in extremely polluted rovers which contain heavy metals, salt, and the waste from the synthetic dyes. Once in the rivers these are dyes are almost impossible o remove and remain there for years because they are unable to biodegrade.
"(We're) striving towards minimizing the negative effects on the environment from the largest export generating sectors, including ready-made garments and textiles.
-Bangladesh's ministry of Environment
Short video made by GreenPeace