Most of this leather originates in tanneries in Hazaribagh, a neighborhood of Dhaka, the capital. Toxic Tanneries, released in October 2012, documents health problems among workers and residents of Hazaribagh’s slums related to unregulated pollution produced by these tanneries and dangerous working conditions within them. Many tanneries do not supply appropriate or sufficient protective equipment, or training to work with harmful chemicals and aging machinery; some managers deny sick leave or compensation to workers who fall ill or are injured on the job. Residents of Hazaribagh’s slums complain of illnesses such as fevers, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and skin, stomach, and eye conditions. Human Rights Watch calls on the government to immediately begin enforcing its environmental and labor laws in Hazaribagh’s tanneries. It also calls on international companies to ensure that all leather and leather goods originate from tanneries in compliance with international standards and Bangladeshi environmental and labor law.
Toxic Tanneries: The Health Repercussions of Bangladesh’s Hazaribagh Leather
Every year, Bangladesh exports hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of leather for luxury goods to some 70 countries worldwide, including China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the United States.
