Tannery Workers Research Articles

Occupational exposure as a presumable cause of subcutaneous sarcoidosis in a tannery worker - case report and review of the literature.

Occupational exposure as a presumable cause of subcutaneous sarcoidosis in a tannery worker - case report and review of the literature.

Occupational health hazards and safety practices among the workers of tannery industry in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, workers of the tannery industries are commonly affected with several health hazards. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of health problems of the tannery workers, and to find out the factors associated with those health problems. A cross sectional studywas conducted on 316 general tannery workers (who work with raw hides and chemicals only) from 22 different tanneries in Hazaribagh, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A standardized, structured face to face interviewer-administered close ended questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression models and chi-square test. Around 63.3% of workers were affected with at least one health problems. Majority of the workers were suffering from skin problem (25.3%), gastrointestinal problem (8.5%), chronic headache (8.2%), allergies (5.7%), respiratory system problem (6.3%), cardiovascular problem (6.3%) and eye problem (3.5%). Only 36.7% respondents used personal protective equipment (PPE). The tanneries did not have any effluents or wastes treatment facilities. Smoking and monthly low household income were significantly associated with the morbidity of the tannery workers. The government should take adequate measures to mitigate the health hazards in the tannery industry.Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 6(1): 13-22, 2017 (June)

Reliability and validity of general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) for male tannery workers: a study carried out in Kanpur, India

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to test the reliability, validity and factor structure of GHQ-12 questionnaire on male tannery workers of India. We have tested three different factor models of the GHQ-12.MethodsThis paper used primary data obtained from a cross-sectional household study of tannery workers from Jajmau area of the city of Kanpur in northern India, which was conducted during January–June, 2015, as part of a doctoral program. The study covered 286 tannery workers from the study area. An interview schedule containing GHQ-12 was used for tannery workers who had completed at least 1 year at their present occupation preceding the survey. To test reliability, Cronbach’s alpha test was used. The convergent test was used for validity. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to compare three factor structures for the GHQ-12.ResultsA total of 286 samples were analyzed in this study. The mean age of the tannery workers in this study was 38 years (SD = 1.42). We found the alpha coefficient to be 0.93 for the complete sample. The value of alpha represents the acceptable internal consistency for all the groups. Each item of scale showed almost the same internal consistency of 0.93 for the male tannery workers. The correlation between factor 1 (Anxiety and Depression) and factor 2 (Social Dysfunction) was 0.92. The correlation between factor 1 (Anxiety and Depression) and factor 3 (Loss of confidence) was the highest 0.98. Comparative fit index (CFI) estimate best-fitted for model-III that gave the CFI value 0.97. The SRMR indicator gave the lowest value 0.031 for the model-III.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the Hindi version of GHQ-12 is a reliable and valid tool for measuring psychological distress in male tannery workers of Kanpur city, India. Study found that the model proposed by the Graetz was the best fitted model for the data.

Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms, Bronchial Asthma and Obstructive Lung Disease among Tannery Workers

Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms, Bronchial Asthma and Obstructive Lung Disease among Tannery Workers

Pulmonary Function and Malondialdehyde (MDA) Content in Blood Due to Chromium Exposure Among Tannery Workers in Sukaregang, Garut

Pulmonary Function and Malondialdehyde (MDA) Content in Blood Due to Chromium Exposure Among Tannery Workers in Sukaregang, Garut

Clinical Objective Dry Eye Tests in a Population of Tannery Workers in North India

ABSTRACTPurpose: To analyze the correlation between subjective symptoms and clinical signs of dry eye among tannery workers.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, three classic clinical tests, namely the fluorescein tear film break-up time (FTBUT) test, the fluorescein staining (FS) test, and the Schirmer test (ST), were performed to assess the clinical signs of dry eye disease in 246 tanners who were found symptomatic for dry eye in a prior ocular surface disease index survey.Results: All workers were male with a mean age of 35 ± 9 years, and the mean duration of work at tanneries was 8 ± 5 years. Among 246 symptomatic subjects, the FTBUT test, the FS test and the ST were positive in 63.8%, 30.9% and 41.9% workers, respectively. Mean FTBUT and ST scores were 10.6 ± 4.2 seconds and 10.1 ± 7.7mm, respectively. Mean FTBUT for mild, moderate and severe symptom categories differed significantly. Mean ST scores for the mild symptom group were significantly higher than that of the moderate group (p < 0.0001). The FTBUT and ST score showed a strong negative correlation with severity of symptoms (p < 0.0001). A moderate positive correlation was observed between FS positivity and increasing symptom severity (p < 0.0001). The effect of age was insignificant for FTBUT (p = 0.10), while significant for ST score (p < 0.001). The effect of duration of tannery work was significant for both FTBUT and ST scores (p < 0.0001).Conclusion: Clinical tests correlated well with symptom severity among tanners, and a multifactorial etiology is suggested for dry eye diseases.

Prevalence of Health Diseases among Bangladeshi Tannery Workers and associated Risk factors with Workplace Investigation

Background: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of health hazards through analyzing different diseases among tannery workers and to identify risks factors of these diseases in tannery workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from May 2016 to July 2016 on tannery workers of the industrial area Hazaribagh, Dhaka. Data collection was done among 276 tannery workers engaged in different tanneries located at the area. Face to face interview was performed using a questionnaire and skin diseases faced by the workers were identified by trained medical students. Results: The prevalence of diseases was found as gastrointestinal problem 71.7%, Diarrhea 71.7%, Blood pressure 52.2%, Asthma 49.9%, Eye problem 46.7%. Skin disease prevailed in the following order: Scabies 73.9%, Nail discoloration 69.6%, Urticaria 59.7%, Miliria and foliculities 56.5%. Again negligence of using personal protective equipment named safety boots, gloves and googles have significant influence (p<0.001) on higher prevalence of asthma, eye problems and nail discoloration. Moreover, working areas of pre-tanning and tanning have significant (P<0.001) association with the higher prevalence of scabies and miliria and foliculities. Conclusion: Prevalence of diseases among the tannery workers are very high and is extremely associated with different working areas of leather processing and the lack of proper PPE (Personal protective equipment) using. The risk factors responsible for these health hazards can be eliminated through improving the overall working condition and ensuring the necessary protective regulatory for the Bangladeshi tannery workers.

Risk Assessment of Low-back Trouble among Male Tannery Workers: A Study of Kanpur City, India

Background: Low Back Trouble (LBT) is very common among tannery workers, it occurs due to the bend posture of low back during the material transfer. Aim: This paper analyzes the prevalence of the self-reported LBT, its intensity and the potential risk factors among male tannery workers in Kanpur, India. Methods: Data for the study were obtained from a cross-sectional household survey conducted during the period January-June, 2015. The study was conducted in the Jajmau area of Kanpur and interviewed 284 tannery workers selected using scientifically developed study design using probability sampling approach. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to assess the prevalence and intensity of LBT. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the potential risk factors for contracting LBT. Results: Tannery workers aged 35 years and above had higher prevalence of LBT (57%). A significant association was observed between long working 11-12 h and the prevalence was (68%) of LBT. Among the workers aged 35+years, about a sixth (16%) reported daily recurrence of pain, and about a fifth (19%) experienced pain more than 10 times in the last 12 months. Tannery workers who were injured at work in the last 12 months was 2.09 and 2.42 times more likely to get LBT in Model-II and III. The adjusted effect of LBT was 1.8 times higher among tannery workers had severe mental health disorders. Conclusions: The results reveal statistically significant association of LBT with age of tannery workers, educational attainments, type of job contract, type of work, daily working hours, manual loading and unloading, workplace injury in last 12 months and mental health disorders.

Analyses of Genetic Variations of Glutathione S-Transferase Mu1 and Theta1 Genes in Bangladeshi Tannery Workers and Healthy Controls.

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) belong to a group of multigene detoxification enzymes, which defend cells against oxidative stress. Tannery workers are at risk of oxidative damage that is usually detoxified by GSTs. This study investigated the genotypic frequencies of GST Mu1 (GSTM1) and GST Theta1 (GSTT1) in Bangladeshi tannery workers and healthy controls followed by their status of oxidative stress and total GST activity. Of the 188 individuals, 50.0% had both GSTM1 and GSTT1 (+/+), 12.2% had GSTM1 (+/−), 31.4% had GSTT1 (−/+) alleles, and 6.4% had null genotypes (−/−) with respect to both GSTM1 and GSTT1 alleles. Among 109 healthy controls, 54.1% were double positive, 9.2% had GSTM1 allele, 32.1% had GSTT1 allele, and 4.6% had null genotypes. Out of 79 tannery workers, 44.3% were +/+, 16.8% were +/−, 30.5% were −/+, and 8.4% were −/−. Though the polymorphic genotypes or allelic variants of GSTM1 and GSTT1 were distributed among the study subjects with different frequencies, the differences between the study groups were not statistically significant. GST activity did not vary significantly between the two groups and also among different genotypes while level of lipid peroxidation was significantly higher in tannery workers compared to controls irrespective of their GST genotypes.

Analysis of Chromosomal Aberrations in PBL of Chrome Tanning Industrial Workers

In order to monitor the geno-toxic effects of chromium compound, 160 chrome tanning industrial workers (80 each of smoker and non-smoker) were selected from a leather tanning industry to perform the cytogenetic protocol of chromosomal aberrations in the peripheral blood lymphocytes. The workers were further classified into two groups on the basis of their personnel habit (Smoker and Non-Smokers) and on the duration of their employment (1-5, 6-10 and 11-15 years). Even 120 individuals (62 smokers and 58 non-smokers) were also selected as controls for the purpose of comparison. A statistically significant increased frequency of total chromosomal aberrations was observed in the chrome tannery workers (6.20 ± 0.12) as against the control (1.61 ± 0.09). The increased frequencies of aberrations were duration dependent. Even higher incidence of chromosome aberrations was reported among the smoker group of both control and exposed workers. The results clearly establish the mutagenic nature of the chromium compound in human beings.

OXIDATIVE DNA DAMAGE AND MODULATION OF P53 TUMOR SUPPRESSOR GENE AS POSSIBLE MECHANISMS OF CHROMIUM CARCINOGENICITY( PART I)

Introduction: Chromium, like many transition metal elements, is essential to life at low concentrations yet toxic to many systems at higher concentrations. Toxic effects of chromium can be classified into sensitizing, caustic and carcinogenic effects. Chromium is one of the best known sensitizing agents; it causes allergic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and occupational asthma. There is sufficient evidence of the carcinogenicity of various chromium compounds in humans encountered via inhalation in industrial applications. Aim of work: to assess the carcinogenic potential of chromium exposure in tannery workers and study the possible mechanisms using 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) which is one of the major oxidative adducts formed by radical induced damage to DNA, TAC (total anti-oxidant capacity) as a biomarker of cellular oxidative stress and p53 as apoptotic regulatory protein. Materials and methods: This work was carried out in twelve small-to medium-sized tanneries, in Misr Al Kadema district in Cairo. The study comprised of two groups, an exposed group (45 male workers) and a matched control group (30 male workers). All workers were subjected to a detailed history including present, past, family and occupational history. Clinical examination was performed with special emphasis on chest and skin examination. Laboratory investigations were performed in the form of kidney function test (blood urea and serum creatinine), blood level of TAC, P53 and chromium. Also, urinary 8-OHdG was done. Results: we found a significant increase in chromium, TAC, p53 and urinary 8-OHG in the exposed group compared to their referent control. Significant positive correlation was detected between P53 with blood level of TAC. Conclusion: Our results revealed that tannery workers have increased level of blood chromium, and this increase is associated with oxidative damage especially oxidative DNA damage reflected by elevated TAC serum level and urinary 8-OHG. Also, up-regulation or activation of serum p53 in tannery workers which was positively correlated with chromium (non-significant) and significantly positively correlated with TAC reinforce the possible relation between oxidative stress induced by chromium exposure and carcinogenesis

CYP2E1 epigenetic regulation in chronic, low-level toluene exposure: Relationship with oxidative stress and smoking habit

BackgroundCYP2E1 is a versatile phase I drug-metabolizing enzyme responsible for the biotransformation of most volatile organic compounds, including toluene. Human toluene exposure increases CYP2E1 mRNA and modifies its activity in leucocytes; however, epigenetic implications of this interaction have not been investigated. GoalTo determine promoter methylation of CYP2E1 and other genes known to be affected by toluene exposure. MethodsWe obtained venous blood from 24 tannery workers exposed to toluene (mean levels: 10.86+/−7mg/m3) and 24 administrative workers (reference group, mean levels 0.21+/−0.02mg/m3) all of them from the city of León, Guanajuato, México. After DNA extraction and bisulfite treatment, we performed PCR-pyrosequencing in order to measure methylation levels at promoter region of 13 genes. ResultsIn exposed group we found significant correlations between toluene airborne levels and CYP2E1 promoter methylation (r=−.36, p<0.05), as well as for IL6 promoter methylation levels (r=.44, p<0.05). Moreover, CYP2E1 promoter methylation levels where higher in toluene-exposed smokers compared to nonsmokers (p=0.009). We also observed significant correlations for CYP2E1 promoter methylation with GSTP1 and SOD1 promoter methylation levels (r=−.37, p<0.05 and r=−.34, p<0.05 respectively). ConclusionThese results highlight the importance of considering CYP2E1 epigenetic modifications, as well as its interactions with other genes, as key factors for unraveling the sub cellular mechanisms of toxicity exerted by oxidative stress, which can initiate disease process in chronic, low-level toluene exposure. People co-exposed to toluene and tobacco smoke are in higher risk due to a possible CYP2E1 repression.

Determination of fingernail chromium, cadmium, and lead in tannery workers

Purpose: To determine whether chromium, cadmium, and lead levels in human Fingernails reflected the exposure to workplace contamination in tanneries.Approach: 49 exposed tanning workers and 33 controls were monitored for fingernail levels of chromium, cadmium, and lead by graphite furnace and hydride atomic absorption spectroscopy.Results: The mean levels of fingernail chromium, cadmium, and lead in the exposed workers were significantly higher than those in the controls. In regression models for the tannery workers, the significant risk factor that affected the fingernail chromium, Cadmium, and lead level were occupational exposure, respectively. Current smoker it showed a significant change in trend of increased fingernail cadmium levels.Conclusion: These findings indicate that chromium, cadmium, and lead absorbed from. Leather tanning compounds result in raised levels of chromium, cadmium, and lead in fingernails and that improvement of the industrial health should be more practiced in the tanneries in Taiwan.

Cytogenetic evaluation of tannery workers in the city of Teresina, northeastern Brazil.

Assessments of chromosomal integrity and structure enable the prevention of diseases associated with the work environment, with the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei often being used as markers in biomonitoring. Owing to their routine manipulation of potentially toxic chemicals, tannery workers as a group merit a more thorough evaluation and discussion. This study investigated chromosomal damage in 30 workers from a tannery in the city of Teresina, the state capital of Piauí, northeast Brazil, and a control group consisting of 30 employees from a nearby accounting firm. The frequencies of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and binucleated cell micronuclei (MN) were assessed as a measure of damage. Means were compared using the Student t-test and ANOVA-Dunnett test. Our results indicated a higher number of CAs in exposed individuals compared to the control group, including dicentric (P < 0.0001) and tricentric chromosomes (P < 0.001), and those in ring (P < 0.0001) and acentric ring forms (P < 0.001). Assessment of MN frequency demonstrated a similar trend (exposed vs control, P < 0.0001). It was concluded that the tannery workers in this study exhibited a higher incidence of genetic damage than comparable unexposed individuals. However, further research on this subject is needed, particularly in regard to potentially clastogenic agents used in the tanning process.

Evaluation of microbial load in oropharyngeal mucosa from tannery workers.

BackgroundAnimal skin provides an ideal medium for the propagation of microorganisms and it is used like raw material in the tannery and footware industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate and identify the microbial load in oropharyngeal mucosa of tannery employees.MethodsThe health risk was estimated based on the identification of microorganisms found in the oropharyngeal mucosa samples. The study was conducted in a tanners group and a control group. Samples were taken from oropharyngeal mucosa and inoculated on plates with selective medium. In the samples, bacteria were identified by 16S ribosomal DNA analysis and the yeasts through a presumptive method. In addition, the sensitivity of these microorganisms to antibiotics/antifungals was evaluated.ResultsThe identified bacteria belonged to the families Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Neisseriaceae, Alcaligenaceae, Moraxellaceae, and Xanthomonadaceae, of which some species are considered as pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms; these bacteria were not present in the control group. Forty-two percent of bacteria identified in the tanners group are correlated with respiratory diseases. Yeasts were also identified, including the following species: Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans, and Candida krusei. Regarding the sensitivity test of bacteria identified in the tanners group, 90% showed sensitivity to piperacillin/tazobactam, 87% showed sensitivity to ticarcillin/clavulanic acid, 74% showed sensitivity to ampicillin/sulbactam, and 58% showed sensitivity to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid.ConclusionSeveral of the bacteria and yeast identified in the oropharyngeal mucosa of tanners have been correlated with infections in humans and have already been reported as airborne microorganisms in this working environment, representing a health risk for workers.

Chromium Exposure and Related Health Effects among Tannery Workers in Kenya

Background. There is increasing concern over the health effects of chromium (Cr) exposure stemming from various activities in tanneries in Kenya. Chromium is a toxic metal in its hexavalent form, a...

0288 Gene-specific DNA methylation as a valuable tool for risk assessment: the case of occupational exposure to different VOC’s in Mexican workers0288 Gene-specific DNA methylation as a valuable tool for risk assessment: the case of occupational exposure to different VOC’s in Mexican workers

ObjectivesTo determine gene-specific methylation levels (promoter region) on genes from critical cellular pathways in persons occupationally exposed to a single volatile organic compound (VOC) or to a mixture of themMethodWorkers...

Environmental aspects and health risks of leather tanning industry: a study in the Hazaribag area

The tannery industry in Hazaribag, which is one of the most polluted areas in Dhaka City, produces a huge quantity of wastes every day. Without treatment, these are discharged into the Buriganga River and pollute the surrounding environment. This article examines the impacts of tannery wastes on workers’ health and the environment in that particular area. As part of the methodology, a semi-structured interview was conducted in order to obtain quantitative data and 112 respondents were interviewed using purposive sampling. The findings of the study indicate that tannery wastes affect the environment severely, causing ecological imbalance and the spreading of different kinds of fatal and contagious disease among the tannery workers and other individuals. Moreover, the current waste management system of the Hazaribag tannery industries is very suspect due to outdated technology, defective drainage systems, lack of financial input, and the exploitative attitude of their owners. The findings also indicate that tannery workers are unaware of the effects of tannery waste as they choose not to wear personal protective equipment in the workplace. This empirical study helps policy makers implement appropriate measures to raise awareness, among both owners and workers, that can influence changes in the public’s attitude and reduce environmental pollution to a great extent. Although considerable research has been undertaken focusing on tannery waste impact assessment, less attention has been paid to the issue of workers’ health. Therefore, both governments and policy makers can benefit from the findings of this study.

Evaluation of oxidative stress and DNA damage in cement and tannery workers in Egypt

In Egypt, workers have potentially high exposure levels to chromium (VI) in the cement production and construction industry and to chromium (III) in the leather tanning industry. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chromium exposure on lipoperoxidation, thiol antioxidants and DNA in cement and tannery workers. This study was conducted on 65 adult male volunteers. These subjects were divided into three groups: Group I (control group); 23 normal healthy volunteers, Group II; 22 cement workers and Group III; 20 tannery workers. All participants were subjected to thorough history, clinical examination and laboratory determination of total blood and urinary chromium, plasma malondialdehyde and total thiol in plasma and assessment of oxidative DNA damage through p53 overexpression. About one third of cement and tannery workers had severe skin and chest manifestations and severe nasal manifestations were observed in 22.7% and 20% of cement and tannery workers, respectively. The blood and urinary Cr and plasma malondialdehyde levels of cement and tannery were significantly higher than control group. Additionally, there was a significant increase of total thiol in control group compared to exposed groups. About half of cement and one third of tannery groups expressed high grade of p53 expression. The blood chromium revealed significant negative correlation with thiol, but, positive correlation with malondialdehyde and p53 expression. Cement and tannery workers should be subjected to frequent clinical examination and blood or urine chromium analysis level to keep guard against its toxic consequences.

A questionnaire-based survey of dry eye disease among leather tannery workers in Kanpur, India: a case-control study

Context: Kanpur is a major leather processing center in India, where a large number of tanneries are situated. During tanning process, workers are constantly exposed to heat, leather dust produced in buffering operations and a wide range of chemicals. All these factors are known to cause dry eye. Being ophthalmologists of a tertiary health care center in Kanpur, we used to notice over a period of time that a considerable number of patients with dry eye symptoms, attending our out-patient department, were related to leather tanning industries. But, no published data is available on the prevalence of and risk factors for dry eye disorders among tannery worker. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of dry eye problem and its severity among the workers of leather tanneries in the industrial belt of Kanpur and to evaluate various risk factors related to it. Methods: In this cross-sectional case–control study, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) Questionnaire was presented to randomly selected tannery workers and control group. OSDI score was calculated based on subjects’ response, and was evaluated with OSDI chart to assess the magnitude of dry eye symptoms and to grade its severity. Results were analyzed statistically to evaluate the significance level. Results: A total of 800 workers were selected by simple random sampling, out of which 72 workers were excluded from the study. Thus the questionnaire was presented to a total of 728 workers, while control group included 260 individuals. All the workers as well as controls were male with age ranging from 20 to 59 years. The mean age for tannery workers was 34.05 ± 8.96 years and that for control group was 32.97 ± 10.59 years (p = 0.14). The tannery workers had mean duration of work at tanneries for 6.99 ± 4.86 years. The prevalence of dry eye symptoms among tannery workers was 33.79% (95% CI: 30.35–37.24), while that in control group was 15.77% (95% CI: 11.31–20.23) (p < 0.0001). Among symptomatic workers, 47.96% (95% CI: 41.68–54.26) workers had mild, 36.99% (95% CI: 30.91–43.07) workers had moderate and 15.04% (95% CI: 10.54–19.54) workers had severe dry eye symptoms. Severe symptoms were more prevalent among symptomatic workers of age ≥40 years in comparison to those <40 years (34.72% versus 6.90%, p < 0.0001). With increase in duration of work (1–5, 6–15 and 16–25 years), both prevalence and severity of dry eye symptoms increased significantly (p = 0.036 and <0.0001, respectively). Conclusion: Dry eye is a significantly prevalent occupational hazard among tannery workers, severity of which increases with the age and the duration of work in tannery. Chemical exposure in hot and dusty working environment of a tannery may have a causative role. Tannery workers should be motivated to use various preventive measures to reduce chemical and dust exposure such as wearing protective glasses, and their ocular health should be monitored periodically for adequate and timely treatment, if required.