Biological Hazards in Tannery Workers

Abstract

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.

Evaluation of Microbial Load in Oropharyngeal Mucosa from Tannery Workers

“…Others studies have reported airborne fungi are of greater significance than bacteria as causes of allergic disorders such as rhinitis or asthma [28] . Our findings indicate that the Enterobacteriaceae family represents 57% of all identified bacteria in oropharyngeal mucosa of tanners.…”

“…Based on the poor air quality in the working environment of the tanneries and because many of these microorganisms can be acquired by the workers, either by inhalation, ingestion, or other means, some of the identified bacteria, in the indoor environment of tanneries, belonged to the following families: Bacillaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Moraxellaceae, Nocardiopsaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, and Staphylococcaceae. In addition, fungi genuses were also identified by microscopy and these included Aspergillus and Penicillium, which are considered the airborne allergenic fungi most significant and found to be associated with adverse effects on human and animal health [28] . Additionally, yeasts identified were C. krusei and C. glabrata, both of which have been associated with adverse health effects in individuals with compromised immune systems [13,29] .…”

Microbial contamination in the indoor environment of tanneries in Leon, Mexico

“…These health-related issues were strongly correlated with the mould present in the tannery environment. 67…”

The Role of Leather Microbes in Human Health

“…Fungi have also been confirmed to be natural inhabitants of hides/skins. Fungi species can tolerate high NaCI concentrations of 20-30% (w/v) [17]. This is a higher concentration than that tolerated by bacteria.…”

“…and Cladosporium spp. were isolated from salted sheepskins [17]. From the curing premises, the raw hides and skins are taken to tanneries for processing.…”