Evaluation of health risks among the workers employed in tannery industry in Pakistan

Abstract

Chromium is widely used in the tanning industry, and tannery workers are under constant threat of adverse health effects due to occupational exposure. In this study of 332 tannery workers from Sheikhupura and Peshawar, both male and female with age ranging from 20 to 50 years old were selected for the assessment of health risks. Tannery workers were interviewed and underwent clinical examination. A control group of 112 individuals from the same age without chromium exposure were also selected. A total of 164 tannery workers with age ranging 20-35, were included. The sterility problem was found to be 22% in male and 25% in female in contrast to the 3% in the male controls and 1% in female controls. While the survival rate of children was observed to be 69% of male and 67% in female in contrast to that observed in controls, which was 94% in male and 92% in female. In addition, 22% females had an abortion problem, while 2% were found following birth control procedures. Stillbirth problems were found to be 23% in female in contrast to that 3% were found in controls.