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Biological Hazards in Tannery Workers

Kürat Özdilli

Haliç University, Health Institute, Istanbul

Halim Isever

Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Istanbul, hissever{at}istanbul.edu.tr

Bedia Ayhan Özyildirim

Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Istanbul

Bilge Hapçioglu

Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Istanbul

Nurhan Ince

Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Istanbul

Haluk Ince

Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul

Yildiz Yeenolu

Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul

Serdar Susever

Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul

Mustafa Erelel

Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chest Disease, Istanbul

Erol Iik

Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Istanbul

Gündüz Gedikolu

Haliç University, Health Institute, Istanbul

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.

Key Words: Biological hazards • Tannery workers • Leather tanning

Indoor and Built Environment, Vol. 16, No. 4, 349-357 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1420326X07080855


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