20 types of chemical imported to Maldives linked with cancer

Research shows chemicals imported into Maldives since 2013 includes 20 types that have been linked with cancer.

The research was published in the first such chemical profile compiled in the country - “Maldives National Chemical Profile” – which officially released by Minister of Environment and Energy, Toriq Ibrahim.

The research shows that 2 billion chemicals had been imported to Maldives since 2014; 20 of which have been linked with cancer.

10.3 tons of such dangerous chemicals were imported to Maldives in 2013 alone.

The chemicals include industrial chemicals and chemicals in products such as sprays.

Releasing the chemical profile, Minister Toriq stressed the importance of monitoring chemicals that are imported into the country.

He stressed that inappropriate use of such chemicals could lead to dire health and environmental consequences, and vowed to initiate better monitoring efforts.

The work, which started in 2011, includes information regarding the country were the chemicals are manufactured in.