Health of Turkey’s plastic waste workers under threat as European imports grow
A report by Human Rights Watch finds Turkish authorities are not enforcing a law to protect vulnerable workers and local residents from toxic fumes.
ISTANBUL — Workers at plastic recycling plants, including child workers and nearby residents, are being exposed to serious health risks as the Turkish government fails to enforce laws on licensing and inspections, according to research by Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Imported plastic waste from the European Union is a significant contributor to the abuses, the report found.
The New York-based rights group said air pollutants and toxic emissions from waste recycling were linked to an increased risk of cancer, neurological problems and harm to reproductive health. They also cause short-term health problems such as asthma, breathing difficulties and eye irritation.
During the recycling process, plastic waste is shredded, washed, melted at high temperatures and turned into pellets.
