Panipat's Textile Recycling Industry Faces Environmental and Health Challenges
In Panipat, India, a major hub for recycling discarded clothing from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, the local population is facing significant health and environmental challenges. The city processes over a million tons of fast fashion waste annually, repurposing it into new textiles. However, the recycling process exposes workers to hazardous conditions, including inhalation of fabric fibers and exposure to toxic chemicals used in dyeing processes. Many workers, lacking protective gear, suffer from respiratory issues and other health problems. Additionally, the wastewater from these processes, often untreated, contaminates local water sources, affecting both the environment and the health of nearby communities. 
