Toxic Chemicals Kill18 People in Karachi’s Keamari District

At least 18 people have died in Pakistan’s largest city of Karachi in the last 16 days, allegedly as a result of toxic chemicals emitted by nearby factories.

Toxic Chemicals Kill18 People in Karachi’s Keamari District

At least 18 people have died in Pakistan’s largest city of Karachi in the last 16 days, allegedly as a result of toxic chemicals emitted by nearby factories. The Sindh Health Department confirmed the deaths in the Ali Muhammad Goth neighbourhood of Karachi’s Keamari district from January 10 to January 26 in a statement issued on Thursday.

“According to preliminary investigations, the cause of these deaths was some chemicals that caused some interstitial lung disease,” according to the statement. “Medical camps for the treatment of pneumonia have also been established in the affected area.” Additional investigations are being conducted.

According to residents, a foul odour emanated from two factories in their village, causing suffocation, according to the Health Department. According to department spokeswoman Mehar Khursheed, those who died had fevers, sore throats, and shortness of breath.

“Death occurred within five to seven days of the onset of the illness,” she explained. “An examination of symptomatic patients reveals no rashes.” “Although the community is concerned about the severe irritating smell in the environment, conjunctivitis was present.”

According to Hafeez Leghari, a resident of Ali Muhammad Goth, three adults were among the dead, with the remainder being children aged one to thirteen.

“The government has sealed the factories in the areas that were emitting the fumes, and officials are here for additional meetings with residents in the area and for investigations,” Leghari said. The chief minister of the province issued a statement expressing his sorrow over the deaths and instructing authorities to conduct an inquiry.

Factories have a legal responsibility to control and manage the release of toxic chemicals and are typically regulated by government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This includes implementing measures to prevent the release of toxic chemicals into the environment, such as using pollution control equipment and proper storage and disposal methods.