News about Our Work - 12 December 2025 New Study Shows Massive Chemical Contamination in Bangladesh's Textile Sector Our partner organisations HEJSupport and ESDO have published a new study on chemical pollution in communities around textile factories in Bangladesh. As part of a community-based monitoring, soil, water, sewage and hair samples were analyzed. The results show a significant exposure to long-lasting and harmful chemicals as well as heavy metals. In the particularly affected region of Ashulia, the collected data document widespread contamination. Several PFAS values significantly exceed international benchmarks. Chlorinated paraffins, nonylphenols and various heavy metals were also measured in relevant concentrations. The hair analyses, which show increased mercury values in some residents, are also striking. Residents report health complaints such as respiratory and skin problems that could be related to the substances found. The study shows a clear link between pollution and textile production in the region, and the resulting impact on public health, and highlights the need for stricter due diligence, phase-out of hazardous chemicals, transparent supply chains, and integration of data from community-based monitoring into reporting systems. Downloads Long version: Community-based Monitoring of Industrial Chemical Pollution in Textile Communities in Banglades. Multi-actor Partnership for Improved Due Diligence Implementation in the Textile Sector (English, 18 pages, PDF file, 1.3 MB) Summary: Executive Summary Community-monitoring of Industrial Chemical Pollution in Textile Communities in Bangladesh (English, 5 pages, PDF file, 200 KB) This publication was published as part of the project "Addressing Environmental and Labor Rights Risks: Engaging Stakeholders through Rights-Based Monitoring for Effective Due Diligence. Project partners: BILLS, ESDO, FEMNET, HEJSupport, INKOTA, Südwind
