Risk Assessment of Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) Gas and Its Impact on Human Health: Evidence from Tannery Industry of a Developing Country

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas is quite risky and harmful for the tannery industry workers in Bangladesh. A proper measurement or assessment of this risk will help policymakers make crucial policy decisions, which will surely help the continued positive growth of this industry. This study has three specific objectives: identifying potential sources of hydrogen sulfide gas generation, assessing the root causes of hydrogen sulfide gas generation, and suggesting proper activities to reduce the impact of hydrogen sulfide gas generation. In order to carry out this study, a qualitative approach has been used, where qualitative data are used to find out the results. It started with reviewing the secondary documents but also included key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and a sample survey. This study has collected data from 20 different tanneries. Out of 20 tanneries, 80 respondents were selected via the purposive sampling method. Information has been taken from 80 respondents via Key Informant Interviews and Focused Group discussions, where each group consists of a different number of individuals and is selected on the basis of the location of the production process in tanneries. The study has found major sources and causes of H₂S generation. The major sources include the tanning chemical store, pre-tanning (Beam house area), Re-tanning area, Chrome effluent drain, Mix effluent drain, etc. The major causes of H₂S gas generation include intermixing of incompatible chemicals, lack of proper cleanliness, reaction of liming liquors, etc. The study also suggested various measures such as proper ventilation, separating chromium and re-tanning effluent from alkaline effluent, and reducing solid waste.