FISHERFOLK and environmental scientists are blaming industries set up along the Sindh coast for causing serious health problems by emitting increasing amounts of carbon monoxide and lead into the environment, says a Panos report by Najma Sadeque.

Of late, many people in Karachi, including children, have suffered brain haemorrhage and become blind after consuming contaminated fish caught in coastal waters. The urban population is considered most at risk because the bulk of its fish supply comes from the coast. Another major health risk is from untreated sewage that is estimated to contain more than 70 viruses that have been identified in human faeces and is being used to irrigate vegetable farms.

Fisherfolk complain their livelihood is under threat because industrial waste is depleting fish and shrimp stocks in coastal waters.