Independent research has traced PFAS pollution to Dhaka’s water sources and industrial zones, intensifying calls for official testing, public disclosure and stronger chemical controls amid expanding industrial supply chains.
Independent studies detect PFAS contamination in Dhaka water sources, raising public health concerns and questions over regulatory action
Millions of people in Bangladesh’s capital may be consuming water containing traces of toxic “forever chemicals”, as independent research raises concerns over industrial pollution, public health protection and regulatory gaps in one of the world’s fastest-growing manufacturing economies.
Multiple studies have detected Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic chemicals known for their extreme persistence in the environment, in water samples linked to Dhaka’s water supply system and surrounding industrial areas.
Scientific studies have linked prolonged exposure to certain PFAS compounds with increased risks of serious health problems, including some cancers, liver and kidney damage, hormonal disruption, reproductive challenges and weakened immune responses.
However, researchers caution that the presence of PFAS indicates contamination and potential exposure risks, not that specific illnesses have already been caused among affected communities.
Environmental advocates say the repeated detection of PFAS since 2024 highlights an urgent need for stronger monitoring, transparent reporting and effective regulation.
PFAS Detected in Dhaka Water
A joint study by researchers from Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Bangladesh and Sweden’s Umeå University detected PFAS, pesticide residues and pharmaceutical chemicals in water samples collected from different zones of Dhaka.
The findings followed earlier research by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) and the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), which also identified PFAS contamination in Dhaka’s tap water.
The ESDO-IPEN study analysed 27 water samples collected between 2019 and 2022 from industrial and residential areas around Dhaka. The samples were tested through international research laboratories, including analysis involving Brown University in the United States.
The study detected several PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS, substances that have faced international restrictions because of their persistence and potential health impacts.
Researchers reported that some contaminated samples contained PFAS concentrations exceeding international advisory and regulatory limits.
The Karnatali River recorded some of the most concerning results, with certain samples showing PFAS levels more than 300 times higher than proposed European Union limits.
Researchers also found significantly higher pollution levels in samples collected downstream from major textile manufacturing zones compared with upstream locations, pointing to industrial discharge as a possible major source.
The findings come from independent academic and civil society research rather than routine government PFAS monitoring, highlighting the need for stronger official surveillance systems.
Textile Industry and Global Supply Chain Concerns
Bangladesh is one of the world’s largest garment exporters, supplying clothing to major international fashion markets. The country’s ready-made garment industry has created millions of jobs and generated billions of dollars in export earnings.
However, environmental researchers warn that weak chemical management systems may allow hazardous substances to enter rivers, ecosystems and eventually human food chains.
PFAS are widely used in textile manufacturing because they provide water, oil and stain resistance to fabrics. They are also found in food packaging, non-stick cookware, cosmetics, firefighting foam, paints and other industrial products.
While textile production is considered a significant contributor, experts say PFAS pollution can come from multiple sources, including industrial waste, imported materials, consumer products and firefighting chemicals.
Environmental groups argue that international fashion brands sourcing from Bangladesh must ensure stronger chemical management standards throughout their supply chains.
“Bangladesh is a global textile manufacturing hub, and the presence of toxic chemicals in the environment puts communities at risk,” environmental advocates have warned, calling for greater responsibility from producers, regulators and international buyers.
Health Risks and Scientific Concerns
PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because their strong carbon-fluorine bonds prevent them from easily breaking down naturally.
More than 4,000 PFAS-related compounds have been identified globally, with applications ranging from industrial production to everyday consumer products.
Because they persist for long periods, PFAS can accumulate in soil, rivers, wildlife and human bodies.
Public health experts say prolonged exposure to certain PFAS compounds may contribute to kidney and liver damage, thyroid disorders, high cholesterol, reproductive problems and developmental impacts in children.
Dr Shahriar Hossain, a researcher with ESDO, said Bangladesh urgently needs to identify the sources of PFAS contamination and introduce stronger controls.
“PFAS contamination must be addressed immediately. If these chemicals continue entering our water system, they may create serious risks for human health and ecosystems,” he said.
Dhaka WASA Faces Questions Over Response
The findings have raised questions over the response of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA), which supplies water to millions of residents in the capital.
Following the research reports, WASA formed a committee to review the issue. However, more than eight months later, the organisation has not publicly released detailed findings or announced a comprehensive remediation plan.
Environmental groups say forming committees without publishing findings or corrective measures risks delaying urgent action.
Dhaka currently has 352 WASA water ATM booths serving more than 800,000 customers. Around 1.3 million litres of water are sold daily through these facilities, which many residents use for drinking, cooking and preparing food for children.
WASA Managing Director Md Aminul Islam said the organisation is reviewing the research findings.
“We are examining the issue at our level and checking the systems and equipment we currently have,” he said.
However, environmental advocates say authorities must move beyond reviewing reports and establish independent testing, public disclosure mechanisms and long-term monitoring systems.
Regulatory Gap Remains
Bangladesh became a party to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2007 and approved amendments related to PFOS and PFOA in 2022.
Despite these commitments, experts say Bangladesh still lacks specific national standards regulating PFAS levels in drinking water, industrial discharge and consumer products.
The country’s existing environmental regulations do not clearly define PFAS limits, leaving a regulatory gap in controlling the production, use and release of these chemicals.
“If Bangladesh is committed to the Stockholm Convention, it has an obligation to regulate PFAS and protect public health,” Dr Shahriar Hossain said.
Environmental groups are calling for updated laws, stronger industrial monitoring and a national PFAS action plan.
Industry Response and Accountability Debate
Industry representatives have previously highlighted improvements in wastewater treatment and environmental compliance within Bangladesh’s textile sector.
However, environmental researchers argue that PFAS monitoring remains insufficient and that conventional wastewater treatment systems may not always remove persistent chemicals.
They say both producers and global brands must strengthen chemical management practices to prevent pollution throughout the supply chain.
A Wider Environmental Challenge
The PFAS issue comes as Bangladesh faces increasing pressure on freshwater resources due to climate change, rapid urbanisation and industrial expansion.
For a country where millions depend on rivers, groundwater and other freshwater sources, chemical pollution adds another layer of environmental vulnerability.
Recent studies have also detected PFAS contamination beyond Dhaka, including in rivers, coastal ecosystems and marine life.
Research has found PFAS residues in fish and shellfish collected from coastal areas, raising concerns about possible exposure through seafood consumption.
Coastal regions, including areas around Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, have emerged as potential pollution hotspots due to industrial activities, shipbreaking yards and port operations.
Protecting Public Health in an Industrial Future
As Bangladesh continues to expand its industrial economy and strengthen its position in global manufacturing, experts say chemical safety and water protection must become central priorities.
They argue that addressing PFAS contamination requires coordinated action from government agencies, industries, researchers, civil society and international companies.
For millions of residents who depend on Dhaka’s water every day, the challenge is no longer only about detecting “forever chemicals”, but ensuring that science leads to transparent action and long-term protection of public health and the environment.
