TLDR;
The video discusses how a chemical factory, responsible for widespread PFA contamination in Italy, was shut down and its machinery was auctioned off. An Indian company, Viva Life Sciences (owned by Laxmi Organics), acquired the machinery and is setting up a plant in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, to produce the same "forever chemicals." The concerning aspect is that India lacks specific regulations for PFAS, raising questions about public health and safety.
- Italian factory shut down due to PFA contamination affecting 3.5 lakh people.
- Viva Life Sciences, an Indian company, acquired the factory's machinery.
- The company plans to produce the same chemicals in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
- India lacks regulations for PFAS chemicals.
The Italian Chemical Disaster [0:00]
In Vicenza, Italy, a chemical factory named Miteni caused a health crisis among local residents. People began developing unusual illnesses, and tests revealed high levels of PFA, or "forever chemicals," in their blood. These chemicals are called "forever chemicals" because they cannot be destroyed once created, persisting in the body, water, and soil. The contamination occurred because the factory discharged the chemical, which then mixed with the drinking water supply.
The Scale of Contamination [0:35]
According to the Italian Health Institute, the safe limit for PFA in the human body is 8 nanograms per milliliter. However, one factory worker's blood sample contained over 91,000 nanograms. Approximately 350,000 people were affected by this chemical contamination. In response, Italian authorities shut down the factory and imprisoned those responsible.
From Italy to India [1:06]
After the factory's closure, its machinery was auctioned off. Viva Life Sciences, an Indian company owned by Laxmi Organics, purchased the equipment. The machinery was packed into containers and shipped to India. Viva Life Sciences is now setting up a plant in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, with plans to produce the same forever chemicals that were manufactured in Italy.
Lack of Regulation in India [1:38]
India currently has no specific laws or regulations to control or monitor PFAS chemicals. This raises concerns because the same factory that affected 350,000 people in Europe is now being established in India to produce the same chemicals without regulatory oversight. The video questions why such a move is allowed, implying a disregard for public health and safety.
