Tannery workers are exposed to many chemical and physical hazards. The current study involved 730 workers from 23 leather factories located in the Tuzla Organized Industry Region, Istanbul. Participants were interviewed and underwent clinical examination. After the basic physical examination, respiratory functions were measured by spirometer and the workers questioned about asthma. Health problems included gastrointestinal complaints (7.30%), bronchitis (3.11%) and asthma (3.0%). Signs of bronchial obstruction — wheeze and rhonchus — were detected in 71 (9.72%) workers. A deficit in the values of FVC%, FEV 1%, FEV1/FVC%, PEF%, FEF25— 75% was set nominally at 80% of the respiratory function test parameters. Decreased pulmonary function results were found for FVC% in 36 (4.93%) workers, FEV1 in 71 (9.72%), FEV1/FVC in 18 (2.59%), PEF in 183 (25.1%) and FEF25—75% in 204 (27.94%). The number of those with respiratory obstruction detected by spirometry was 294 cases (40.27%), more than the number of cases, 263 (36.02%), who claimed res- piratory problems in the questionnaire. This study was a contribution towards efforts to improve the factory envi- ronment and control workplace risks. Together with med- ical examinations before and during employment and provision of continuous health services and training will reduce the risk of occupational disease to a minimum. Introduction Leather production is one of the world's oldest trades, consisting of a chemical process that turns animal hides into the much less perishable material, leather. As part of this process, after the removal of the epidermis and subcu- taneous tissue, the dermal collagen fibres are stabilized by means of chemical treatment known generically as tanning [1]. Employees who work in tanneries are liable to be affected by their exposure to lots of hazardous materials and processes during tanning. These hazards can be grouped into four categories: biological, physical and chemical hazards and work accidents.

A total of 431 workers from 14 leather factories located in the Tuzla Organized Industry Region, Istanbul were involved in the study. Subjects were interviewed and examined individually with regard to asthma symptoms. Physical examinations were undertaken and respiratory function measured by spirometer. Moreover, the atmosphere of the working areas in the factories was assessed microbiologically. The fungal genera most often detected were Penicillium spp., followed by Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp., Scopulariopsis spp., and Cladosporium spp. multiplying at differing rates. The number of those physically examined with indications of peripheral respiratory obstruction was 176 (40.8%) while those with suspected asthma following questioning was 153 (35.5%). The obstruction demonstrated by the use of respiratory function tests was associated with the mold isolated from the environment and was included in the logistic model that was developed as a risk factor for increasing obstruction. Workers employed in tanneries encounter many health problems. These may be reduced by: improving the factory environment, environmental control of allergens, elimination of allergen reservoirs, control of humidity and reducing exposure to excessive heat or cold. In addition there should be air filtration and vacuum cleaning to control dust mites and control of other workplace risks not necessarily associated with tanning. Importantly, workers should have medical examinations before employment and periodic examinations during training and employment to reduce the risk of occupational diseases to a minimum.

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Method: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. This study period was February 2013 through May 2013, and was carried out at the Istanbul Medical Faculty Public Health Workplace Safety Clinic. All refectory and canteen staff were included. The refectory staff was examined at the appointment time and nose, throat, and stool examinations were carried out in order to find out carriers. Qualitative data were evaluated by mean and standard deviation. Quantitative data were evaluated by frequency and percent rate. Findings:The responsibilities of the staff in the refectory were as follows: 35 (32.4%) worked in the production department, 58 (53.7%) in distribution, 10 (9.3%) were support staff and 5 (4.6%) were management. According to the nose culture results, Metisilin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 13 people (12%), and Metisilin resistant S.aureus was detected in 4 people (3.7%). Ten of the 17 people were working in distribution. According to the throat culture results, beta-hemolytic streptococcus group A was detected in 1 person (1%). According to the stool culture and direct parasite examination (in stool) results, Salmonella Enteridis was detected in 1 person (1%), Blastocyctis Hominis was detected in 3 people (2.8%) who were working in distribution. Results: Intestinal parasites were detected in 4 members of staff (3.7%). To prevent communicable diseases, rest, treatment and education was given to the affected staff.

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