Ensure disposal of transformer oil

Severe health threats from the toxic liquid chemical Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), popularly known as transformer oil, have remained unaddressed till date, and action has to be taken in this regard immediately, speakers at a project inception workshop said yesterday.

PCBs pose serious health risks to fetuses, babies and children, who may suffer developmental and neurological problems from prolonged or repeated exposure to even a small amount.

The Department of Environment (DoE) estimated that there are around 500 tonnes of PCBs-contaminated transformers across the country, and the chemical has not been decomposed properly.

With a view to eliminating PCBs within 2024, DoE yesterday launched a project titled, “Environmentally Sound Development of Power Sectors with Final Disposal of PCBs”, at its headquarters in Dhaka.

According to DoE officials, Bangladesh stopped importing PCBs around 15-20 years ago and has been using alternatives. DoE said it will make a list of old transformers, and measure the amount of chemical still being used, so that it can be properly disposed of.

The government undertook a “National Implementation Plan” in 2009, but it was not executed “due to various complications”, officials said.

The Tk 24 crore project, financed by UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), will be implemented in 2019-2021, with the help of six state-owned power companies.

Experts, officials from those companies, related government officials and members of UNIDO attended the workshop.

Speaking as chief guest, Abdullah Al Mohsin Chowdhury, secretary to the environment ministry, said, “The project has already been delayed. DoE should be serious in this regard.”

AKM Rafique Ahmed, DoE director general, sought cooperation from power companies.

PCBs are among the 28 chemicals banned globally by Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The convention aims at final disposal of these chemicals globally by 2028. Bangladesh ratified the convention in 2007.