Neurotoxic Effects of Chronic Arsenic Exposure Among Leather Tannery Workers in Kanpur

Year : 2025 | Volume : 12 | Issue : 02 | Page : 39 46
    By

    Stephen Monday,

  • Atul Khajuria,

  • Eric Kwasi Elliason,

  • Gagan,

  • J. Samuel Kamanda,

Abstract

Chronic arsenic exposure is a known health risk, with potential neurotoxic effects. In industrial settings like leather tanneries, workers are particularly vulnerable due to prolonged exposure to chemicals, including arsenic. This study aims to investigate the neurotoxic effects of chronic arsenic exposure among leather tannery workers in Kanpur, focusing on symptoms of neurological damage and related health outcomes. To evaluate the prevalence of neurotoxic symptoms among leather tannery workers in Kanpur, determine the association between chronic arsenic exposure and neurological health, and assess other contributing factors such as age, work duration, protective equipment use, and environmental conditions. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 833 adult participants (both male and female) working in leather tanneries in Kanpur. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing demographic information, occupational history, health symptoms (neurological and general), arsenic exposure, and environmental factors. The severity of neurotoxic symptoms was measured using a Likert scale (0–4). Statistical analysis was conducted to examine the correlation between arsenic exposure levels and reported symptoms, adjusting for confounding variables such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and protective equipment usage. Among the 833 participants, 58% were males and 42% females, with a mean age of 35 years. The majority had worked in the tannery industry for more than 5 years (75%). The study found a significant association between prolonged arsenic exposure and neurological symptoms, including headaches (48%), dizziness (34%), and memory problems (29%). Other commonly reported symptoms included muscle weakness (26%) and tingling in extremities (21%). The use of protective equipment was associated with lower rates of reported symptoms. Environmental factors, such as living near the tannery, were also linked to higher symptom prevalence. Conclusion: This study highlights the neurotoxic effects of chronic arsenic exposure among leather tannery workers in Kanpur. Prolonged exposure to arsenic is significantly associated with various neurological symptoms, underlining the need for improved workplace safety measures, including better use of protective equipment and environmental controls. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm causality and long-term health outcomes.

Keywords: Arsenic, neurotoxic effects, leather tannery workers, occupational health, chronic exposure, Kanpur, neurological symptoms

[This article belongs to Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering ]

How to cite this article:
Stephen Monday, Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Gagan, J. Samuel Kamanda. Neurotoxic Effects of Chronic Arsenic Exposure Among Leather Tannery Workers in Kanpur. Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering. 2025; 12(02):39-46.
How to cite this URL:
Stephen Monday, Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Gagan, J. Samuel Kamanda. Neurotoxic Effects of Chronic Arsenic Exposure Among Leather Tannery Workers in Kanpur. Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering. 2025; 12(02):39-46. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joise/article=2025/view=232957


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 12
Issue 02
Received 04/04/2025
Accepted 03/05/2025
Published 04/05/2025
Publication Time 30 Days
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