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Prevalence and Determination of Occupational Diseases of Leather Tannery Workers

M.K. Mohanta
Department of Zoology, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

A.K. Saha
Department of Zoology, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

M. A. Hasan
Department of Zoology, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Skin disease has increased in tannery area. Besides the workers, farmers, children and fisherman are mainly affected as they work in the polluted water. The pollutants from tannery industries are responsible for it. Pollutants from industries enter in the Buriganga river through the drain, khal and beel and end up here. Stomach problems; the majority of the respondents also blamed the lack of proper sanitation system, tanning wastes (liquid and solids) and lack of knowledge about hygiene for diarrhea and dysentery, which are frequently among children, slum dwellers and tannery workers. Gastrointestinal diseases have been identified as a common health problem for workers in the area, including tannery workers. The local doctors interviewed opined that this was due to irregular eating habits and the length of time between meals. Many studies confirm the occupational health problems associated with working in the tannery industry, and textile dyeing industry. It is noted that the high incidences not only skin problems but also asthma, chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, bladder cancer and irritation of the eyes among the workers of tannery and dyeing industries. After tanning comes the process of finishing leather, a huge amount of dyes, pigments and chemicals are used again. During making the finished products, leather particles mixed with the air and also causes respiratory problems of the workers. Most of the workers said, some of the illnesses automatically disappear when they take a leave or stop working temporarily.

Keywords: Prevalence, Determination, Diseases, Tannery workers

Location: Department of Zoology, University of Rajshahi

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Knowledge Management

Commodity: Diseases

Objectives:

To study the prevalence and determination of occupational diseases of leather tannery workers

Methodology:

There are 206 tannery industries in Hazaribagh area. Thirty-five tannery industries were selected and visited and discussed with workers about their health problems, socio-economic conditions, knowledge about the diseases, their attitude and practice towards the prevention and control of the diseases. More than four thousands people are working in the 35 industries. Most of the workers are suffering from different diseases. About 35% of the tannery workers are suffering from gastrointestinal disease, 25% from dermatological disease, 10% from Headache, Hypertension and Lethargy. In an open question to workers on predominant health problems, the respondents mentioned that skin diseases, gastric ulcers, gastroenteritis, respiratory illnesses (asthma), anemia, dysentery, headache, hypertension and lethargy were the most common health problems amongst the population in the area. Gastrointestinal and skin diseases were the health problems ranked as most frequently occurring in the workers of the industry. Headache, lethargy and hypertension were mild health problems experienced by the workers of tannery industry. The interviews were conducted to local doctors practicing in the area and provided similar results in terms of the five most prevalent health hazards in the area. The doctors identified ten health problems that were prevalent in the area. Of these five most frequently diseases were gastric ulcers, skin disease, asthma, diarrhea and hypertension. According to doctor’s perception, skin disease, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory disorders (asthma), diarrhea and fever were the main health problems in the area throughout the year.

Source of Information: Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 31, 2012 pp. 79-82; ISSN 1023-6104

Article Link (Online Journal): http://journals.sfu.ca/bd/index.php/UJZRU

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The present study concluded that the Hazaribagh area has a high incidence of different number of health problems. In this area the peoples are frequently suffering from a variety of health problems that could be a direct or indirect relating to the activities of local industries. These problems include skin disease, gastrointestinal disease, respiratory illnesses, jaundice etc. The workers believe that these problems are a result of increases in the number of industrial units in the area.

Knowledge Management: Journal