Toxic Trade: Hidden Threats of Chemicals and Waste

The global trade in hazardous chemicals and toxic waste has emerged as one of the most serious environmental and public health challenges of the twenty-first century. Often referred to as "toxic trade," this practice involves the transfer of hazardous chemicals, electronic waste, plastic waste, and other dangerous materials from developed countries to developing nations that frequently lack the capacity, technology, and regulatory systems to manage them safely. While many industrialised countries have banned or restricted the use of certain toxic substances within their own borders, some continue to export these products and wastes to poorer nations, creating a dangerous double standard that places the health and wellbeing of millions at risk.

Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in industrialisation, agricultural production, poverty reduction and export growth over the past several decades. However, this progress has also been accompanied by increasing environmental pressures arising from the extensive use of chemicals. The country imports significant quantities of industrial chemicals, pesticides, plastics and electronic products to support key sectors such as agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather sector etc. Many of these materials play an important role in the country’s economic development. But at the same time, they also contain hazardous substances, and when improperly managed, they become a major cause of pollution and health hazards.
One of the most visible examples of toxic trade is the growing challenge of electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste. Bangladesh generates an estimated 2.8 to 3 million tonnes of e-waste annually, making it one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the country. A large share of this waste comes from discarded mobile phones, computers, televisions, household appliances, and the country’s extensive ship-breaking industry. Many electronic products contain hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and brominated flame retardants. These toxic materials can cause severe health problems when released into the environment.

A large portion of e-waste in Bangladesh is processed through informal recycling operations where workers dismantle electronic devices manually, often without protective equipment. Children involved in recycling activities are particularly vulnerable because toxic substances can interfere with brain development and growth.

Plastic waste is another cause of major concern. Bangladesh imports substantial quantities of plastic raw materials each year to meet the demands of packaging, garments, consumer products, and industrial manufacturing. While plastics contribute significantly to economic activity, their environmental impact is becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Plastic waste frequently blocks drainage systems, contributes to urban flooding, pollutes rivers and wetlands, and threatens marine ecosystems in the Bay of Bengal. The burning of plastic waste releases highly toxic pollutants such as dioxins and furans, which are among the most dangerous chemicals.

Agriculture is another sector affected by toxic trade. Bangladesh uses more than 40,000 tonnes of pesticides annually to protect crops and increase agricultural productivity. These chemicals are widely used in rice cultivation as well as the production of vegetables, fruits, and other crops. While pesticides have helped improve food production, concerns continue to grow regarding the import and use of highly hazardous chemicals that may already be restricted or banned in other countries because of their harmful effects.
Farmers are often exposed to pesticides during mixing, spraying, and storage. Without proper training and protective equipment, they face increased risks of poisoning, respiratory diseases and long-term illnesses. Consumers may also be harmed through pesticide residues in food. Excessive use of agricultural chemicals can contaminate water bodies, reduce soil fertility, and harm beneficial insects, birds, fish, and other wildlife that contribute to healthy ecosystems.

The health impacts of toxic chemicals and hazardous waste extend far beyond workers directly handling these substances. Scientific studies conducted in different parts of the world have demonstrated how dangerous chemicals accumulate in the environment and eventually enter the food chain. Research involving eggs collected from free-range chickens living near waste disposal facilities has repeatedly found elevated concentrations of persistent organic pollutants. These findings illustrate how environmental contamination can directly affect food safety and human health.

Long-term exposure to hazardous chemicals has been associated with a wide range of illnesses, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, hormonal disorders, infertility, birth defects, and developmental problems in children. Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, infants, waste workers, and low-income communities face enormous risk. The burden of disease resulting from environmental pollution places additional pressure on healthcare systems and reduces overall productivity. The economic consequences of toxic trade are equally significant. Pollution-related illnesses increase healthcare costs and reduce workforce productivity. 

Addressing toxic trade also requires the promotion of safer alternatives. Organic farming and Integrated Pest Management can reduce dependence on hazardous pesticides while maintaining agricultural productivity. Environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials can help reduce plastic pollution. 

Although Bangladesh is a party to international agreements such as the Basel Convention, which regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, effective implementation remains a challenge. Strengthening customs inspections, improving monitoring systems, enhancing laboratory capacity, and increasing transparency in chemical and waste trade are essential for preventing illegal or unsafe imports of hazardous materials. Stronger enforcement of environmental regulations is equally important to ensure that industries manage chemicals and waste responsibly.
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The writer is Editor and CEO, News Network. He can be reached at [email protected]