Possible adverse effect of chromium in occupational exposure of tannery workers

Trace Element Levels in Nails of Residents of Addis Ababa Are Shaped by Social Factors and Geography

The Akaki catchment in Ethiopia is home to Addis Ababa and about five million people. Its watercourses receive a variety of wastes released by the residents and industries. River water is being used for irrigation, livestock watering, and other domestic purposes. This study tested the hypothesis that the river pollution would be reflected in higher levels of trace elements in the nails of residents living in Akaki-Kality Sub-City in the downstream, as compared to those living in Gullele Sub-City in the upstream of the Akaki catchment. Samples were taken and subsequently analysed for metals using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The mean concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cr, Pb, and As in nails from Akaki-Kality were 488 ± 49, 106 ± 10, 5.2 ± 0.3, 13 ± 1.5, 11 ± 8, 2.2 ± 0.3, 0.09 ± 0.01, and 0.16 ± 0.01 μg/g, respectively. Likewise, the concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cr, Pb, and As in nails from Gullele were 1035 ± 135, 251 ± 10, 6.6 ± 0.4, 31 ± 3.7, 7.4 ± 1.7, 2.0 ± 0.3, 0.63 ± 0.01, and 0.25 ± 0.01 μg/g, respectively. Co and Cd were not detected. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, higher metal levels were found in nails of residents living in the upstream rather than the downstream area of the catchment. In particular, the concentrations of Fe (p = 0.000), Zn (p = 0.01), and Mn (p = 0.000) were significantly elevated in nails from Gullele and also high in comparison with internationally reported values. Besides, geography and social factors, especially education level, correlated to trace metals in nails. Most of the elements were significantly lower in the nails of individuals with a university degree compared to those who were illiterate or only completed primary school.

Cr (III) genotoxicity and oxidative stress: An occupational health risk for leather tannery workers of South Asian developing countries

In the leather industry, Cr (III) is used as a basic tanning agent. The wastewater discharged from the tannery industry contains a high concentration of chromium. Recent studies indicate the genotoxic effects especially DNA damage and oxidative stress of Cr (III) in tannery workers. Cr (III) interacts with DNA to form DNA cross-links and DNA strand breaks. It also modifies the oxidative DNA base through the Haber–Weiss reaction. The present study is based on an overview of scientific literature and previous observations regarding the effects of tannery chromium effluents on exposed workers and the population in the vicinity. This study strongly suggests for use of a non-toxic substitute of chromium to be used for the tanning process and placement of tannery industries on the outskirts of the city. In South Asian developing countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh where the economy is strongly dependent on leather manufacturing industries, there is a need to spread proper information regarding the harmful effects of chromium toxicity to the workforce employed in the tannery and also to the people living in the surrounding area. Workers should be provided with the required safety protections like gloves, aprons, foot/shoe covers, masks, etc. Last but most important on an immediate basis is the installation of the proper efficient waste treatment plant, so that, waste should be treated before moving out of the industry.

Chromium Contamination from Tanning Industries and Phytoremediation Potential of Native Plants: A Study of Savar Tannery Industrial Estate in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Tannery wastewater is a significant cause of chromium (Cr) contamination in land and water. This study assessed Cr contamination caused by the discharge of tannery wastewater in the Dhaleshwari River and identified possible native plants for phytoremediation of Cr. Water, soil and sediments samples were collected from upstream and downstream of the wastewater discharge channel of Savar tannery industrial estate situated on the bank of the river. Samples of root, stem, leaf and fruit of four selected plants (i.e., Eichhornia crassipes, Xanthium strumarium L., Cynodon dactylon, Croton bonplandianum Baill.) were also collected from those sampling points. The total Cr in acid digested samples were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. High concentrations of Cr were detected in the water, soil and sediment samples collected near the wastewater discharge channel. Of all the plant species, Xanthium strumarium L. exhibited high translocation factors (TF) and bioconcentration factors (BCF) for Cr. Based on the findings of this study Xanthium strumarium L. is preferable as a native species for phytoremediation of Cr.

Chromium contamination and effect on environmental health and its remediation: A sustainable approaches

Chromium (Cr) is a trace element critical to human health and well-being. In the last few decades, its contamination, especially hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] form in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, has amplified as a result of various anthropogenic activities. Chromium pollution is a significant environmental threat, severely impacting our environment and natural resources, especially water and soil. Excessive exposure could lead to higher levels of accumulation in human and animal tissues, leading to toxic and detrimental health effects. Several studies have shown that chromium is a toxic element that negatively affects plant metabolic activities, hampering crop growth and yield and reducing vegetable and grain quality. Thus, it must be monitored in water, soil, and crop production system. Various useful and practical remediation technologies have been emerging in regulating chromium in water, soil, and other resources. A sustainable remediation approach must be adopted to balance the environment and nature.

Assessing reference levels of nickel and chromium in cord blood, maternal blood and placenta specimens from Ankara, Turkey

Objective:

Placenta is a temporary organ that connects the developing fetus and the mother. However, it cannot protect the embryo against chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) exposure. Quantification of Cr and Ni in biological and ecological subjects is challenging. Thus, the first goal of this study was to provide a validated Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS) method to determine Cr and Ni in mother-newborn specimens. The second goal was to assess the reference Ni and Cr contents in cord blood, maternal blood, and placenta samples in a population from Ankara.

Material and Methods:

Biological samples were collected from 100 healthy mother-newborn pairs. Metal levels were quantified by GFAAS. Method validation of this toxicological analysis was performed by the use of certified reference materials, and assessed through accuracy, precision, specificity, range, quantitation, and detection limits.

Results:

Mean Cr levels of maternal blood, placentas, and cord blood were 0.337±0.222 μg/L, 0.221±0.160 μg/kg, 0.121±0.096 μg/L, respectively while mean Ni concentrations were 0.128±0.093 μg/L, 0.124±0.067 μg/kg, 0.099±0.067 μg/L, respectively. The method showed linearity with excellent correlation coefficients (r²) for Cr (0.9994) and Ni (0.9999). Satisfactory recovery and coefficient of variation for Cr and Ni were 102.85% and 102.35%; 1.75% and 2.91%, respectively. Relative error did not exceed 3%, demonstrating the accuracy of the method. Control charts were drawn to assess inter-day stability. The predicted reference ranges for Cr and Ni concentrations in maternal blood, placenta and cord blood were: Cr 0.033-0.75 μg/L; 0.032-0.526 μg/kg; 0.031-0.309 μg/L and for Ni were 0.011-0.308 μg/L; 0.024-0.251 μg/kg; 0.066-0.209 μg/L, respectively.

Conclusion:

The reported reference values of biological specimens in this paper will provide complementary aid to health professionals in terms of assessment of environmental and occupational exposure.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sinus and Nasal Allergies among Tannery Workers of Kanpur City

India is greatly afflicted by sinusitis, which is a condition that involves inflaming sinuses (the air cavities in the nasal passage) in your nose, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The study’s objective was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of sinus and nasal allergies among tannery workers of Kanpur city. The study has used primary datasets obtained from a cross-sectional household study of tannery workers from the Jajmau area 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. Bivariate and logistic regression analysis was used to study the association between outcome variables (self-reported prevalence of sinus and nasal allergies) and predictor variables (socioeconomic and work-related characteristics). Results portray that a higher proportion of the tannery workers belong to economically and socially backward classes. Overall, 13.4 and 12.3% of sinus and nasal allergy prevalence have been reported by tannery workers, whereas tannery workers from the oldest age group were those who mainly suffered. A study found that the severity of nasal and sinus allergies increases with the increasing age and work duration in the tannery. Workers with low exposure to airborne dust were significantly more likely to develop sinus problems (OR = 4.16; p < 0.05) than those without exposure. Those tannery workers suffering from nasal allergy were more prone to develop sinus problems than those who were not suffering from nasal allergy. The risk factors responsible for these health hazards can be eliminated by improving the overall working conditions and ensuring necessary protective regulations for the tannery workers.

Impact of chemical substances used in textile industry on the employee's health: Epidemiological study

Textile industries are well known by their extencive use of the water and the highly toxic chemicals that pose a serious problem to humans and to environment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the occupational risks related to Otolaryngology, dermathitis and ophthalmological symptoms among the textile employees in a textile factory at Sidi Brahim industrial area of fez city then to investigate the correlation between chemical substances used and the symptoms already indicated. This study was based on a cross sectional survey carried out among 90 workers in a textile factory. It could be seen a high correlation between the use of chemicals, work conditions and the studied symptoms. Epidemiological study shows that textile workers in the studied factory area are daily exposed to dangerous and toxic chemicals that threat their lives. This scourge can be handled by the involvement of all responsible authorities to propose recommendations, alternatives, and solutions to further improve the textile sector and to preserve health and the environment.

Occupational risk factors associated with respiratory symptoms among tannery workers in Mojo town, Southeast Ethiopia, 2018: a comparative cross-sectional study

Introduction

Work-related respiratory diseases (WRDs) account for 10-20% of all chronic respiratory illnesses affecting hundreds of millions of people of all ages. Tannery industries are often associated with hazardous working conditions favourable for respiratory conditions. However, information about the prevalence and occupational factors that predispose to respiratory symptoms is meagre in Ethiopia. This study aimed to investigate the magnitude and risk factors associated with work-related respiratory symptoms among tannery industry workers in Mojo town, Ethiopia.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2018. A total of 602 (299 exposed to tannery factories) and 303 unexposed (civil servants) were included using the stratified sampling method. The British Medical Research Council (BMRC) questionnaire was pretested and interviewer-administered for data collection. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with respiratory symptoms. The significance of associations was ascertained at a < 0.05 p and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% CI was computed to evaluate the strength of associations.

Results

The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among exposed workers was 27.1% [95% CI (21.7, 32.1)] and 8.3% [95% CI (5.3, 11.6)] among unexposed workers in the previous 12 months and the prevalence was significantly different (X² = 36.82; p < 0. 00001). The odds of developing respiratory symptoms was 3.37 times higher among tannery workers than unexposed workers [AOR: 3.37; 95% CI (1.71, 6.46)]. Female sex [AOR:1.80; 95% CI (1.24, 3.34)], temporarily workers [AOR = 3.43; 95% CI (2.63, 7.95)], working in a poorly ventilated working unit [AOR = 1.88; 95% CI (1.22, 3.98)], absence of occupational health and safety training [AOR = 2.37; 95% CI (1.14, 4.92)], and not using personal protective equipment [AOR = 2.30; 95% CI (1.25, 3.46)] were significant factors.

Conclusion

The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher among exposed workers compared to unexposed ones. Sex, employment status, ventilation of working units, absence of occupational health and safety training, and not using personal protective equipment were the factors associated with occupational-related respiratory symptoms. Strategies targeting health and safety training, creating awareness on the use of personal protective equipment, and improving workplace conditions, like the provision of adequate ventilation are useful means for assuaging the condition.

Biosorption and biotransformation of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]: A comprehensive review

Chromium (VI) is one of the most common environmental contaminant due to its tremendous industrial applications. It is non-biodegradable as it is a heavy metal, and hence, of major concern. Therefore, it is pertinent that the remediation method should be such that brings chromium within permissible limits before the effluent is discharged. Several different strategies are adopted by microorganisms for Cr (VI) removal mostly involving biosorption and biotransformation or both. These mechanisms are based on the surface nature of the biosorbent and the availability of reductants. This review article focuses on chromium pollution problem, its chemistry, sources, effects, remediation strategies by biological agents and detailed chromium detoxification mechanism in microbial cell. A summary of applied in situ and ex situ chromium bioremediation technologies is also listed. This can be helpful for developing technologies to be more efficient for Cr (VI) removal thereby bridging the gap between laboratory findings and industrial application for chromium remediation.

Occupational exposure and consequent health impairments due to potential incidental nanoparticles in leather tanneries: An evidential appraisal of south Asian developing countries

The incidental nanoparticles' (INPs) emission at work and the consequent health impairments is a burning issue of occupational toxicology. The present study is a thorough review of available literature marking an assortment of indicators on INPs generation at leather tanneries and measurable occupational ailments. The literature reported evidences unleash a similarity between the mechanisms of leather tannery induced health damages and toxico-kinetics of incidental nanoparticles in human body. The data on physico-chemical characterization of leather tannery surface dust presents presence of stressors like heavy metals, microbes, animal fur and fibers along with organic and inorganic chemicals. Bearing same characteristics, the mechanism of INPs' induced toxicity (inflammation, increased reactive oxygen species and permeability of blood brain barrier), major target organs (lung, heart, brain, skin and liver) and health damages (cancer, DNA damage, blood coagulation, cardiac arrest, platelet alteration) are quite similar to those found among tannery workers. This review also presents the identification of the different types of potential INPs production and process sources in leather tanneries. There is no data found on Particulate size variation and consequent disparity of these characterizations has been established. However, the reported literature furnishes evidences which support the premise that there is a dire need of size based incidental particulates investigation with a special emphasis on nanoparticles.

Prenatal chromium exposure and risk of preterm birth: a cohort study in Hubei, China

Few studies have investigated the association of environmental chromium exposure and preterm birth in general population. This study was designed to investigate whether maternal chromium exposure during pregnancy is associated with reduced gestational age or risk of preterm birth using the data from Healthy Baby Cohort study conducted in Hubei, China between 2012 and 2014 (n = 7290). Chromium concentrations in maternal urine samples collected at delivery were measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Tertiles of chromium concentrations was negatively associated with gestational age in multivariable linear regression analyses [β (95% CI): low = reference; middle = -0.67 days (-1.14, -0.20); high = -2.30 days (-2.93, -1.67); p trend <0.01]. Logistic regression analyses also indicated that higher maternal chromium [adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% CI): 1.55(0.99, 2.42) for the medium tertile; 1.89(1.13, 3.18) for the highest tertile; p trend <0.01] was associated with increased risk of preterm birth. The associations appeared to be more pronounced in male infants (adjusted OR (95% CI): 2.54 (1.29, 4.95) for the medium tertile; 2.92 (1.37, 6.19) for the highest tertile; p trend <0.01). Our findings suggest maternal exposure to higher chromium levels during pregnancy may potentially increase the risk of delivering preterm infants, particularly for male infants.

Chromium alters lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses both in vivo and in vitro

We demonstrated that pretreatment with chromium (Cr) significantly alters inflammatory responses of mice or macrophage cell lines. The mice were pretreated with 50 and 200 mg L(-1) of Cr dissolved in drinking water for 7 or 21 d, respectively. Then, the mice were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline for 3 h. The body and liver weights significantly decreased after exposure to 200 mg L(-1) of Cr for both 7 and 21 d. Serious infiltration of inflammatory cells around the artery was found in the liver treated with 200 mg L(-1) of Cr for 7 and 21 d. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL6) in peritoneal macrophage significantly increased after the treatment with 200 mg L(-1) of Cr for 7 d. Moreover, LPS-induced increases in the serum levels and the transcriptional status of some cytokine genes were amplified by the Cr pretreatment. In the in vitro test, the RAW264.7 cell line was pretreated with Cr for 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, followed by stimulation with LPS (1 μg mL(-1)) for 6 h. LPS-induced the increases in TNFα, IL6, Interleukin-1α (IL1α), Interleukin-1β (IL1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) mRNA levels were significantly promoted by the pretreatment with Cr for 3, 6, and 12 h, whereas they were weakened by the pre-exposure to Cr for 24 h in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, LPS-induced the release of TNFα and IL6 in the medium was also significantly enhanced or suppressed by the different Cr pretreatment. The results suggested that Cr had the potential to induce immunotoxicity by altering the inflammatory responses.

Study of skin and mucous membrane disorders among workers engaged in the sodium dichromate manufacturing industry and chrome plating industry

Background:

Inhalation of dusts and fumes arising during the manufacture of sodium dichromate from chrome ore, chromic acid mist emitted during electroplating, and skin contact with chromate produce hazards to workers.

Objectives:

(1) To elucidate the prevalence of skin and mucous membrane disorders among the workers engaged in the sodium dichromate manufacturing industry and chrome plating industry. (2) To know the relationship of prevalence with the duration of exposure to chrome mist, dust, and fumes.

Settings and Design:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among all the workers engaged in sodium dichromate manufacturing and chrome plating from several industries situated near the Delhi-Haryana border in the districts of Faridabad and Sonepat of Haryana, India from January 01, 2014 to December 31, 2014.

Materials and Methods:

All the workers available from the concerned industries for the study were interviewed and medically examined after obtaining their informed consent. A total of 130 workers comprising 66 workers from the sodium dichromate manufacturing industry and 64 workers from the chrome plating industry were examined on a pretested schedule.

Statistical Analysis:

Descriptive statistical methods (proportions, relative risk, and Chi-square test of significance with P value analyzed using Epi Info version 7).

Results:

All the workers were found to be males and of the adult age group. Out of the total examined, 69.69% and 56.22% of the workers had disorders of the nasal mucous membrane in the sodium dichromate manufacturing industry and the chrome plating industry, respectively. 42.42% and 28.22% of the workers had perforation of the nasal septum in the sodium dichromate manufacturing industry and chrome plating industry, respectively. 6.06% and 3.12% workers had skin ulcers in the sodium dichromate manufacturing industry and chrome plating industry, respectively. Nasal irritation and rhinorrhea were the most commonly found symptoms in both the processes. 48.48% and 90.52% of the workers were using hand gloves in the sodium dichromate manufacturing and chrome plating industry, respectively. Only 27.27% and 37.50% of the workers were using masks in the sodium dichromate manufacturing industry and chrome plating industry, respectively. No worker was using protective clothing or barrier cream in the sodium dichromate manufacturing industry. 40.65% and 12.50% workers were using protective clothing and barrier cream in the chrome plating industry.

Conclusion:

Workers engaged in sodium dichromate manufacturing and chrome plating are at a great risk of skin and mucous membrane disorders including chrome holes and nasal septum perforation. Protective measures and awareness of the management and workers about the exposure hazards and safeguarding against them will be useful public measures to prevent these occupational hazards among workers engaged in these processes.

Chromium Exposure and Hygienic Behaviors in Printing Workers in Southern Thailand

Objectives. The main objective of this study was to assess the chromium exposure levels in printing workers. The study evaluated the airborne, serum, and urinary chromium levels and determines any correlation between level of chromium in specimen and airborne chromium levels. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 75 exposed and 75 matched nonexposed subjects. Air breathing zone was measured by furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum and urine samples were collected to determine chromium levels by graphite furnaces atomic absorption spectrometer chromium analyzer. Results and Discussion. The printing workers' urinary chromium levels (6.86 ± 1.93 μg/g creatinine) and serum chromium levels (1.24 ± 1.13 μg/L) were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Work position, duration of work, personal protective equipment (PPE), and personal hygiene were significantly associated with urinary chromium level and serum chromium levels (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). This study found a correlation between airborne chromium levels and urinary chromium levels (r = 0.247, p = 0.032). A multiple regression model was constructed. Significant predictors of urinary and serum chromium levels were shown in this study. Conclusion. Improvements in working conditions, occupational health training, and PPE use are recommended to reduce chromium exposure.

Genotoxicity and oxidative stress in chromium-exposed tannery workers in North India

Trivalent chromium (Cr) is an environmental contaminant, which is extensively used in tanning industries throughout the world and causes various forms of health hazards in tannery workers. Therefore, a cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate the DNA damage and oxidative stress condition in tannery workers exposed to Cr in North India. The study population comprised 100 male tanners in the exposed group and 100 healthy males (no history of Cr exposure) in the comparable control group. Baseline characteristics including age, smoking, alcohol consumption habits and duration of exposure were recorded via interviewing the subjects. Blood Cr level (measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry), DNA damage (measured by comet assay) and oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) were estimated in both the groups. As a result of statistical analysis, exposed group showed significantly higher level of Cr ( p < 0.0001), DNA damage ( p < 0.0001), MDA ( p < 0.0001), SOD ( p < 0.05) and lower level of GSH ( p < 0.001) when compared with controls. Smoking, alcohol consumption habits and age had no significant effect ( p > 0.05) on DNA damage and oxidative stress parameters in both the groups. In simple and multiple correlation analysis, DNA damage and oxidative stress parameters showed significant correlation with Cr level and duration of exposure in exposed group. The findings of the present study revealed that chronic occupational exposure to trivalent Cr may cause DNA damage and oxidative stress in tannery workers.

Assessment of health risks with reference to oxidative stress and DNA damage in chromium exposed population

Trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] is widely used in tanning industrial processes. The population living in tanning industrial area is continuously exposed to Cr(III) which appears to be associated with both acute and chronic health problems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the health risk with special reference to oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde - MDA, glutathione - GSH, and superoxide dismutase - SOD) and DNA damage in 100 Cr-exposed and 100 unexposed populations. The total blood Cr level, SOD level, MDA level and DNA damage were significantly (p<0.05) higher and GSH level was significantly (p<0.05) lower in exposed group as compared to the unexposed group. The altered oxidative stress parameters and DNA damage were found to be slightly higher in female population of both groups. In simple and multiple correlation analyses (adjusted with potential confounders), blood Cr level showed negative significant correlation with GSH level and positive significant correlation with level of MDA, SOD and DNA damage in both groups. The overall prevalence of morbidity was found to be significantly (p<0.05) higher in the exposed group as compared to the unexposed group. In the exposed group, the prevalence of respiratory illness is highest, followed by diabetes, gastrointestinal tract problems and dermal problems respectively. Our results concluded that the Cr(III) exposed population is at high risk for health hazards and the female population is slightly more susceptible to Cr(III) exposure.

Effects of chronic chromium(vi) exposure on blood element homeostasis: an epidemiological study

One hundred chromate production workers chronically exposed to low-level of hexavalent chromium [Cr(vi)] and eighty healthy individuals free from Cr exposure were recruited to the study. Personal sampling of airborne Cr was conducted and Cr content was quantified by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). At the end of the sampling shift, blood samples were collected and element concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for Cr, Cd, Cu, Mo and Se and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) for Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn. According to our results, 90% of the chromate production workers were exposed to airborne Cr in a concentration lower than 50 μg m(-3), which is the threshold limit value recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists and Chinese Ministry of Health. After Cr(vi) exposure, a significant increase in blood Cr, Cd, Fe, Mg, Mo, Se and Zn concentrations was observed, as well as a significant decrease in Ca concentration. A decrease in blood Cu was only observed among female workers. Blood Cr concentrations of the exposed workers (median = 15.68 ng mL(-1)) was four times higher than that of the controls (median = 3.03 ng mL(-1)), and significantly correlated with airborne Cr (r = 0.568, P<0.001). In addition, the inter-element correlations exhibited significant differences between the two groups. Our findings of the related health effects suggested that the underlying mechanisms of chronic Cr(vi) exposure on blood element homeostasis might be partly explained by oxidative stress in the body, dysfunction of Fe metabolism and renal injury.

Blood chromium levels of children working in gem-polishing industries in India

The gem-polishing industry in Jaipur, India employs a substantial proportion of children. The process of polishing may result in exposure to chromium in working children. Thus, this study aims to find out the levels of chromium in these working children and the associated factors. Blood samples were analysed for chromium using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean blood chromium levels were 2.51 ± 1.11 mg/100 ml and 2.33 ± 1.10 mg/100 ml in working and school children, respectively, which is well within the permissible levels. However, the practice of employing children should be totally curbed.

Study of hematological indices in tannery workers exposed to chromium in Sheikhupura (Pakistan)

Chromium (Cr), being an excellent tanning agent, is widely used in the leather industry and tannery workers (TW) are exposed to it either in the form of inorganic Cr(III) compounds or Cr bound to proteins (leather dust) in the process of leather production. During the present study, the effect of Cr on the hematological indices in TW was evaluated. In this study, hematological indices of 92 male TW aged 20—60 years were compared with 79 control males who hardly had a chance of exposure to chromium. Both groups were subdivided into four age groups with an interval of 10: group A, 20—29 years; group B, 30—39 years; group C, 40—49 years; group D, 50—60 years. Total erythrocyte count (TEC) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in TW of age group A, B and C than control subjects. Packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in TW of age group B while mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in TW of age group D. Within the TW, MCH was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the age group D as compared to age group A and B. No significant changes were observed in the values of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration between TW and control individuals. The low values of TEC, PCV and MCH might be a result of chromium exposure in the tannery workers and may act as indicators of chromium toxicity.

Adsorption isotherm studies of chromium (VI) from aqueous solutions using sol-gel hydrotalcite-like compounds

In under-developed countries, industries such as paint and pigment manufacturing, leather tanning, chrome plating and textile processing, usually discharge effluents containing Cr(VI) and Cr(III) into municipal sanitary sewers. It has been reported that Cr(VI) acts as a powerful epithelial irritant and as a human carcinogen. In the present work, hydrotalcite-like compounds with a Mg/Al ratio=2 were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The hydrotalcite-like compounds and their corresponding thermally treated products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and N(2) adsorption. The hydrotalcite-like compounds and the heated solids were used as adsorbents for Cr(VI) in aqueous solutions. Adsorption isotherm studies of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution are described. The adsorbent capacity was determined using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich adsorption isotherm models. The Cr(VI) adsorption isotherm data fit best to the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum Cr(VI) uptake by hydrotalcite and the heated solids was determined using the Langmuir equation and was found to range between 26 and 29 mg Cr(VI)/g adsorbent.

Evaluation of chromium contamination in water, sediment and vegetation caused by the tannery of Jijel (Algeria): a case study

In order to evaluate the chromium (Cr) contamination due to the discharge of waste waters from the tannery of Jijel in the Mouttas river (Algeria), samples of water, sediment and vegetation (Agropyrum repens) were collected during a 6 month period in four stations located upstream (control) and downstream of the tannery. The total chromium was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Metal inputs were clearly related to effluent discharges from the tannery into the river. Although only traces of chromium were found in water samples upstream of the tannery, very high concentrations (up to 860 times higher) were detected downstream. The contamination was not limited to water of Mouttas River because a same difference in chromium concentrations was also found in sediments and plants Agropyrum repens that were sampled upstream and downstream of the tannery. This work showed that the treatment process used in the wastewater treatment plant of the tannery of Jijel is not able to remove the chromium detected in their influents. The occurrence and chromium levels detected in the aquatic environment represent a major problem concerning drinking water resources and environmental protection of water bodies.

Occupational health risks among the workers employed in leather tanneries at Kanpur

In a cross-sectional study, a random sample of 197 male workers drawn from different sections of 10 leather tanneries in Kanpur were selected for the assessment of health risks. A control group comprising of 117 male subjects belonging to a similar age group and socioeconomic strata, who never had any occupational exposure in the leather tanneries, were also examined for the comparison purpose. The findings revealed a significantly higher prevalence of morbidity among the exposed workers in contrast to that observed in the controls (40.1% vs. 19.6%). The respiratory diseases (16.7%) were mainly responsible for a higher morbidity among the exposed workers whereas the gastrointestinal tract problems were predominant in the control group. The urinary and blood samples collected from the exposed group showed significantly higher levels of chromium, thereby reflecting the body burden of Cr in the exposed workers as a result of a high concentration of environmental Cr at the work place.

Quality assessment of treated tannery wastewater with special emphasis on pathogenic E. coli detection through serotyping

The present study was undertaken to assess the quality of treated tannery effluent discharged from Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), Unnao, India, to various water bodies and agricultural lands. The physico-chemical analyses revealed that the effluent was yellowish-brown in colour, having alkaline pH, high BOD, COD values and contained large quantities of organic and inorganic constituents well above the prescribed standards. The bacteriological quality was assessed in terms of the presence of heterotrophs and total as well as faecal coliforms. All faecal coliforms were identified as Escherichia coli, of which 50% were found pathogenic after serotyping. Most of the serotypes were uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) 04. The potential risks of the contamination of different ecosystems situated to the vicinity of such sites are obvious. The observations of this investigation indicate that the treated tannery effluent released for various purposes is not satisfactory, and is far from optimal in attaining the safe limits of disposal.

Cervical arthroplasty: material properties

Discectomy, decompression, and fusion are traditionally used to manage cervical disc disease accompanied by neural element compression that is refractory to conservative management. Concerns regarding stress at levels adjacent to fusion and possible adjacent-level degeneration as well as a desire to maintain a more normal biomechanical environment have led to investigation of cervical disc replacement as an alternative to fusion procedures. Cervical disc prostheses currently under investigation are constructed of predominantly metal-on-polyethylene or metal-on-metal bearing surfaces, and use roughened titanium surfaces and osteoconductive coatings to facilitate fixation. The unique anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine must be considered when extrapolating from the experience of appendicular arthroplasty and lumbar disc replacement.