Chrome VI which is the main chemical used in most of the stages in processing which softens and helps in polymerization of the leather is considered as the extremely harmful chemical for the environment.
Other chemicals used which are not eco friendly are Hydrogen sulphite, banned azo dyes, PCP, formaldehyde, cyanide based oils can cause slow poisoning and several health problems.
A survey of 15,000 tannery workers by the non-governmental Society for Environment and Human Development in November 1999 found that more than half of them suffer from ulcers, nearly a third pick up skin diseases, more than a tenth suffer from rheumatic fever and nearly a fifth have jaundice. Other health complaints of leather factory workers include dizziness, headaches, weakness, abdominal pain and eye problems.
“On the basis of quantity of energy consumed per unit of product produced, the leather-manufacturing industry would be categorized with the aluminum, paper, steel, cement, and petroleum manufacturing industries as a gross consumer of energy”
- Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology
Use of mineral salted, formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives, and cyanide based oils and dyes leads to severe water pollution.
Though water treatment plants are mandatory in all the industries, chemicals from solid wastes seep into underwater causing health problems in nearby cities and villages.
The treated water contains so called non poisonous chemicals used in irrigation also leads to slow poisoning in long run.
The ignored waste disposal around the city increases diseases caused and spread by animals and birds.
No comments:
Post a Comment