Chemical substances are widely used in several sectors, most of them are helpful and harmless but not quite a few are high risk. To control the chemicals side effects, Countries have regulation and law regarding of hazardous chemical use. The regulation is grouping chemicals based on various control levels, from restricting use to banning the substances entirely. The use of banned chemicals is prone to chemical accidents and can be criminalized. You can also see: International List of Banned Chemicals
Pakistan is an Islamic country in South Asia. The chemical industry in this country was non-existent in the time of Its partition from India in 1947 but starting to grow in 1950. Pakistan’s Ministry of Environment divide hazardous substances into three lists:
A hazardous substance is a substance or mixture of substances which by reason of its chemical activity is toxic, explosive, flammable, corrosive, radioactive or from other characteristics causes, or is likely to cause directly or in combination with other matters, an adverse environmental effect as defined by Pakistan Environmental Protection.
Check out the list of banned chemicals in Pakistan to add more knowledge:
1. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)
Originally developed as an insecticide, DDT was also known as “miracle weapon like kryptonite to the mosquitoes” for successfully control malaria in the second half of World War II. Several years later, There were evidences indicate that DDT associated with infant neurological abnormalities. This organochlorine compound is also a persistent organic pollutant.
The lipophilic properties have negative impact on human being and wildlife. There are records proving that DDT residues were found in cattle drinking water that possibly come from surrounding contaminated soils. Nowadays, Chlorine containing pesticides have been banned in the world. However, some agricultural area in Pakistan still uses this compound because of their low cost and versatility. You can also see : List of Banned Insecticides in India
2. Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)
HCl is a strong corrosive acid. It started to be used since Industrial Revolution as a chemical reagent for numerous things like plastic, leather processing, and food additive. Inhaling HCl fumes can irritate and damage respiratory organs, eyes, skin, and intestines.
HCl is freely produced and distributed worldwide but is banned in Pakistan. There is no strong reason why Pakistan bans this chemical. HCl ban had caused countless problem in educational institutes and industries in this country.
3. Benzidines
Benzidines were largely used as dyes for cloth, paper, and leather in the past. It was even used as blood and cyanide detection test. There is no information regarding the short-term exposure effect of benzidines to human, but long exposure can increase the risk of bladder cancer. EPA has classified benzidines as a human carcinogen.
Textile sector is one of Pakistan growing industries that diverse from a small house to a big company. Pakistan’s government takes right decision to ban this substance in order to avoid any harm done to textile and dying workers. Pakistan bans any forms and derivatives of benzidine even the import of dye that contains benzidine. You can also see: 39 Hazardous List of Banned Chemicals in Textiles
4. Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Known as Chinese salt, MSG has been used in Pakistan and other Asian countries for decades. It is used as a flavor enhancer and generally recognized as safe but the use of it still remains controversial.
Pakistan’s Punjab government ban the use of it in all eateries, frozen foods, and all other food since there were scientific findings of bad signs associated with it. The signs start from headaches, fatigues, nausea to heart disease, other mental and physical illness.
However, researchers acknowledge that a small percentage of people may have short-term reactions to MSG, the symptoms are usually mild and don’t require treatment. You can also see: Chemicals in Food (Good and Dangerous Ingredients)
5. Chrysotile Asbestos
As the result of increasing health concerns, the use of asbestos has declined in many countries. Though all types of asbestos (actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and tremolite) has been classified as human carcinogen, Chrysotile or white asbestos is the most used form of asbestos which makes is more prone to human exposure.
Found in the roofs, ceilings, walls and cement building materials, the largest users are developing countries such as Pakistan. Asbestos-using industrial workers and activist called on the government for an immediate ban on all forms of asbestos in the country. Asbestos fibers imported from countries such as Russia, Brazil, and Kazakhstan, although there is some mining of in inside the country.
6. Carbamide peroxide
Used directly to human body as a teeth whitening and to soften ear wax, Carbamide peroxide still can cause inflammation and even bleeding if a pre-existent lesion is exposed to it. There is also an allergenic caution for this substance. The common side effect of carbamide peroxide use is dizziness.
7. Acetone
Also known as propanone is an important solvent. Commonly acetone used as nail polish remover and paint thinner in the household. Acetone is highly produced in the United States and China. The most hazardous property of acetone is its flammability which is why industrial acetone contains a small amount of water to inhibit ignition. It is also acutely and chronically toxic if ingested or inhaled. At high concentration, it may depress the central nervous system and potential pulmonary risk. You may also want to read about List of Toxic Chemicals Banned or Severely Restricted in the P.R.C
The list of hazardous chemicals can increase year by year based on scientifically evidence, here are another list of banned chemicals in Pakistan:
Since 2014, there are more than 200 chemicals that are recognized as hazardous in Pakistan. Those list of banned chemicals in Pakistan declared by their harmful exposure to human and environment.
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