A new platform is trying to find solutions: TGAV. Research suggests that some 10 to 15 percent of all import containers may have too high a concentration of hazardous gases or vapours. This could for example be due to pest control-related fumigation, but increasingly it turns out that the gases and fumes in question were used in the production process or evaporated in the container en route. One example is the release of vapours from the glue used in sport shoes. After a three-week sea journey from China to for instance Europe, the concentration of gases and vapours can sometimes reach considerable levels. The health risks for workers are substantial; in Germany and the Netherlands, several dozen cases of work disability are known in relation to the opening of containers.
In the past year, similar incidents have been documented in Belgium. Medical researchers say this is just the tip of the iceberg.
One of the biggest problems is the fact that many employees in the logistics sector are not aware of the risks they run. Also, the containers usually do not carry a warning.
The problems among others things are prevalent in electronics, shoes, furniture, wood and reeds, electronics, medicines, dried fruit, toys and clothing. In Europe, there is growing attention for the problem, but no coherent policy. In order to ensure fair competition, a uniform approach should be implemented. In the European Union, but also in other parts of the world. The newly launched platform TGAV strives to design such an approach. On the website www.tgav.info a lot of information is to be found. Soon, a handbook for companies and policy makers will be published. In November, a conference will be staged where entrepreneurs, workers and experts meet to exchange experiences and discuss a European policy.
More information, including a video and a quiz, is to be found on www.tgav.info