They don't say anything. They just give us a cloth for our mouths and a hat, but they tell us nothing. Anjela Stephenson, an Exeter University research scientist who analyzed the waste samples we collected, explains what the workers should know. Lead particularly warrants concern because it is such a toxic and pervasive environmental contaminant, causing metabolic, neurological, neuropsychological disorders after both chronic and acute exposure. Concern about dioxin Because the waste imported by Bharat Zinc contains approximately 4 percent chlorine, there is a possibility that dioxin is formed in the thermal processing of the waste at the company's factory.
Copper is a well-known catalyst of dioxin formation during the roasting operation.
The creation of dioxin would be a matter of major concern, Stringer says. The dioxins are extremely stable and capable of persisting for many years in the environment. Generation of very small amounts would therefore be of concern with regard to exposure of the workers at the facility and the potential for the contamination of the local environment. Any doctor will tell you that dioxine, like vitamins, is essential for human health and injurious only when taken in excess. Greenpeace presented scientific papers from the sampling at the factory and exhibited photographs and video film of the inside and outside of the Bharat Zinc factory and of an interview with Gupta explaining his view of the factory's operations.