Occupational and Non-Occupational Exposure to Chromium Induces Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in the Population Near Kanpur Tanneries.

Background: The chrome tanning method is widely used in the Indian tannery industry. Workers from these tanneries are directly exposed to Cr compounds due to inadequate safety measures and knowledge.

Objective: This study aimed to examine oxidative stress and DNA damage in tannery workers in Kanpur exposed to Cr both in the workplace and outside of it in terms of health.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from the people of Jajmau, Kanpur, India. The study population was divided into three distinct categories. Group I comprised 100 individuals occupationally exposed to chromium (Cr) in tannery industries. Group II included 100 individuals who resided near tannery industries but were not occupationally exposed to Cr. Finally, Group III contained 100 healthy individuals who had never been exposed to Cr. Inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure Cr in all blood samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations were used to quantify oxidative stress. A comet assay was used to determine the extent of DNA damage, and the lengths of comet tails in both the exposed and control groups were measured.

Results: Cr, MDA, SOD, and DNA damage levels were significantly greater in the exposed groups than in the control groups (P < 0.001), whereas GSH levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study's findings indicate that timely identification of the detrimental impacts of Cr on individuals employed in tanneries is highly important for mitigating health risks and minimizing exposure.