Ship breaking industry
Bangladesh is dependent on ship breaking for its domestic steel requirements. The ship breaking industry is not subject to any environmental laws or health and safety regulations for workers. The Chittagong ship-breaking yard is a highly polluted coastal belt of 20 km. The number of accidents and casualties at the yard is believed to be the highest in the region. Workers cut steel plates continuously without eye protection. They don't wear uniforms, protective gloves or boots.
High concentrations of oil were found in water and sediments. Soil samples show high levels of toxic substances such as heavy metals, poly chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) & Tributyl Tin (TBT). Most fishermen in the region were forced to change their profession. They migrated or found a job in and around the ship-breaking yard.
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