Hazardous dyes being used freely

Dyes which could cause cancer and banned by the European Union (EU) are being used freely in dyeing fabrics by some of the factories in Pakistan. The startling facts came to light when the consignment of one of the largest exporter of textile goods tested in laboratories in one of the European countries confirmed use of Azo Dyes.
The EU legislation on Azo dyes in textile and leather products warns: "if you are an exporter of textile and/or leather products, you have to make sure that your products do not carry any of the Azo dyes that are prohibited in EU." Azo dyes are often used in the colouring process of textiles and leather. Some of these dyes have the capacity to release certain aromatic amines, which pose cancer risks. For this reason, the EU has laid down legislation to prevent exposure to these hazardous amines. "This implies that Azo dyes releasing the aromatic amines can no longer be used to dye textile and leather products that come into contact with the skin."
The EU document further says: "Due to a growing environmental, health and social awareness of European buyers and consumers, the demand for sustainable materials, products and services is increasing in many Western countries. As a result, the demand for the use of natural dyes in the manufacture of textile and leather products is also growing."
M Naim ur Rehman & Associates, on behalf of the Pakistani exporter has in a letter sent to the Director General, Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and Secretary Environment, Sindh on March 29 which have brought to their notice that their client placed an order for dyeing fabrics with Muhammad Sharif, a sole proprietor trading in the name and style of Bismillah Fabrics has their factory at the Sindh Industrial Trading Estate.
That at the time of placement of order it was clarified by their client that no Azo dyes should be used in the dyeing of goods as the same are known to be hazardous to human health and, inter alia, have been banned by European Union as they are known to cause diseases including, but not limited, to cancer. That despite clear instructions Bismillah Fabrics continued to use the same in their dyeing process.
That their client has initiated a suit for damages in respect of contractual loss suffered on account of such breach. It has been brought to their notice that under section 14 of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997, there is a prohibition to inter alia store or handle any hazardous substance except under license issued by the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency. The word hazardous substance has been defined in clause (a) of sub-section xviii of section 2 of the Act as being:
---- (a) a substance or mixture of substances other than a pesticide as defined in the Agriculture Pesticides Ordinance 1971 (ll of 1971) which by reasons of its chemical activity or toxic, explosive, flammable, corrosive, radioactive or other characteristics, causes, or is likely to cause, directly or in combination with other matters as adverse environmental effect, and
---- (b) any substance which may be prescribed as a hazardous substance. It is obvious; the letter said that Azo dyes are likely to cause adverse environmental effect within the meaning given to that word under sub-section (a) of section 2 of the Act as they are harmful to human health and safety.
As no such license has been issued to Bismillah Fabrics under sub-section (a) of section 14 of the Act, Director General, SEPA and Secretary Environment have been "currently directed to issue an Environmental Protection Order under section 16 of the Act to seal the factory of Bismillah Fabrics for continuing to use such hazardous substances, failing which we have instructions to initiate litigation against you before a court of law seeking order compelling you to issue such a direction the same being at your sole risk as to cost and consequences." Last week three plastic factories were sealed in PECO colony, Lahore to prevent spread of dengue on the directions of Secretary, Environment Protection Department, Punjab.