Increased levels of renal damage biomarkers caused by excess exposure to trivalent chromium in workers in tanneries

BACKGROUND The process for leather material production is carried out in developing countries using a large amount of trivalent chromium [Cr(III)]. Assesment of health risks for millions of workers in tanneries worldwide that are highly polluted with Cr(III) is needed. METHODS Levels of total Cr and its chemical species in wastewater samples from tannery built-up areas of Bangladesh were investigated. Cr-mediated renal damage was assessed in 100 male tannery workers by epidemiological analysis consisting of questionnaires and measurements of levels of urinary Cr and urinary renal damage markers [urinary levels of total protein and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1)]. RESULTS High levels of total Cr (mean ± standard deviation = 1,908,762 ± 703,450 μg/L) were detected in wastewater samples from 13…