‘Endosulfan, dioxin cause irreparable health hazards’

AHMEDABAD: The Centre for Environment Education (CEE) on Friday organized a seminar on hazardous industrial waste. During the seminar, experts pointed out that over the past two years, Ahmedabad has already witnessed a number of deaths by toxic gases from illegally dumped industrial waste.
Moreover, groundwater contamination has also taken place in areas like Pirana, Naroda, Narol and Vatva because of industrial units dumping unprocessed affluent in open water sources.All of these result in irreparable damage to heath and ecology.
H G Sadhu, a senior scientist with National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) said that pollutants such as endosulfan, lead and dioxin, associated with industrial pollution, are strongly connected with irreparable health hazards including impotency, learning disabilities, birth defects, skin disorder and also cancer.
“Five years ago, NIOH had conducted a detailed study of three Gujarat cities and found a worrisome proportion of dioxin in eggs, chicken and mothers’ milk. A new study might show the difference over the years. Proper disposal of industrial waste is the only answer to the issue,” he said.
J K Vyas, head of industrial pollution prevention (IPP) group at CEE, said that the event was organized in association with NEERI and GPCB to create awareness about the pressing issues related to industrial waste, its disposal and for identifying good practices.
“Experts elaborated on topics such as rules and guidelines pertaining to waste, CO processing, technological innovations, Indian scenario, risk assessment and disaster preparedness, and how waste can be used for other purposes,” said Vyas.
The seminar also involved industry representatives to understand their issues, and how the adverse impact on environment and human health could be reduced with better practices. “Steps such as better monitoring systems and collective facilities for affluent treatment can ensure health safety of people, who are forced to live in vicinity of the industrial areas,” said a participant.