High percentage of PFAS found in Bangladesh water samples: Study

A recent study, conducted by the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO) and IPEN, has revealed alarming levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in water samples collected from industrial areas in and around the capital city.

The study, titled ‘Persistent Threat: PFAS in textiles and water in Bangladesh,’ was disclosed on Tuesday at a media briefing, organised by ESDO at its office in Dhaka.

It underscores the significant contribution of the textiles industry to water pollution in the areas.

According to the findings, PFAS chemicals were detected in nearly all samples, with 27 out of 31 surface water samples showing contamination.

Notably, 18 samples contained one or more globally banned PFAS chemicals, including PFOA, PFOS, and PFHXS.

Moreover, 19 samples surpassed the proposed EU regulatory limit of 4.4 ng/L for PFAS.

The study identified textile-producing facilities as potential sources of PFAS pollution, with samples taken downstream from Export Processing Zones showing higher concentrations of PFAS. Tap water samples were also found to contain PFAS, with three out of four samples exceeding the US PFOA threshold for drinking water.

Of particular concern are the high PFAS levels detected in water samples from the Karnafuli River, with levels exceeding 300 times the proposed EU limit.

Similarly, samples from Hatirjheel Lake contained PFAS levels well above current Dutch advisory levels.

The highest PFAS levels were detected in 2019 in water from the Karnafuli River, with levels more than 300 times the proposed EU limit.

That sample also had the highest level of two banned PFAS, more than 1,700 times above a current Dutch advisory limit for PFOA (0.3 ng/L) and more than 54,000 times above a current Dutch advisory limit for PFOS (0.007 ng/L).

Another sample, from Hatirjheel Lake in 2022, also contained both PFOA and PFOS, the latter testing at 185 times above a current Dutch advisory level for PFOS.

The study underscores the urgent need for regulatory measures to address PFAS contamination in Bangladesh.

With no specific regulations on PFAS in place, the authors advocate for a class-based approach toward banning PFAS chemicals and urge policymakers to take action to protect communities affected by textile manufacturing.

The fashion industry, particularly global brands sourcing products from Bangladesh, has been urged to prioritise PFAS-free production to mitigate water pollution. While some brands have committed to eliminating PFAS, concerted efforts are needed to drive systemic change.

ESDO and IPEN emphasise the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing the PFAS crisis and call for global cooperation to safeguard human health and the environment from the harmful effects of PFAS chemicals.

Bangladesh is an international textiles manufacturing hub, and the prevalence of toxic chemical emissions from this sector puts our residents at higher risk. The fashion export industry should not get a free pass to contaminate our rivers, lakes, and taps with PFAS," said Siddika Sultana, Executive Director of ESDO in Bangladesh.

Safe alternatives to PFAS in textiles already exist," said Jitka Straková, IPEN Global Researcher and co-author of the study.

"Given the many health risks at all stages of human development due to the constant exposure to PFAS, the textile industry should move quickly to phase out their PFAS use and be transparent about the PFAS content in their products."

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