Hazaribagh, Bangladesh

Hazaribagh city had got the status of the large tannery center many centuries ago. In recent years, the extent of production has become much greater, although the tanning methods on some establishments have remained constant for several hundred years. There are about 300 leather factories in Bangladesh. More than 90% of this is located in Hazaribagh. The technologies that are used on some companies are not only outdated, but also incredibly dangerous to the environment.

Every day, more than 20 thousands liters of the toxic waste containing the high chromium concentration is poured into the Buriganga River. A large quantity of toxins are emitted into the air when the plants burn the waste impregnated by the reagents. The ecological situation in Hazaribagh has reached the critical level, here is literally everything polluted: the water, the air, as well as the local flora and fauna. The experts keep poultry and meat, which the locals regularly eat, as incredibly dangerous.

The increased concentration of chromium in the air and water leads to the development of the chronic diseases of the respiratory system and increases the probability of development of the malignant tumors a thousand times. At present, about 15,000 people work on the farms. Among the workers, there are many women and children who begin work at the age of 11. For the processing of the raw material, the local companies use the solution of hexavalent chromium - the general use of this element has spoiled the ecology of the large industrial city forever. Next - Norilsk