Health hazards of child labor in the leather products and surgical instrument manufacturing industries of Sialkot, Pakistan

Appraising the characteristics of particulate matter from leather tanning micro-environments, their respirational risks, and dysfunctions amid exposed working cohorts

Leather tanneries are known for chemical laden work environments and pulmonic complaints among workers. This study presents an analysis of tannery micro-environments emphasizing on size-based variation in composition of particulate matter and consequent respiratory dysfunctions. Qualitative (FTIR, SEM-EDX) and quantitative assessment (elemental composition, carbon forms) of PM10 and 2.5 has been employed. For lung function evaluation of workforce, spirometry with ATS proprieties was used. The peak concentrations of both PM10 and 2.5 have been found at PU, FU, and B&S. The LTCR for only Cr is high for both PM2.5 and PM10. HQ was high for Al, Cr, and Mn for both PM sizes. The maximum organic and secondary organic carbon in PM10 was found at FU and in PM2.5 at PU. The varied PM composition included carbohydrate (B&S, WMO), ether (S&S, P&S) and hydroxyl (B&S, S&S, P&S), proteins, polyenes, vinyl groups (S&S, P&S, FU), alcohols (PU and FU), and aldehyde present at PU. These results were armored by high organic and total carbon concentrations for the same sites. Therefore, PM are classified into biogenic (carbonaceous: microbial and animal remains) from PU and WMO, incidental (industrial, mixt physico-chemical character) from PU, FU, WMO, B&S and P&S, and geogenic (crustal mineral dust) from RHT, B&S, PU, and P&S. Furthermore, increase in metal concentrations in PM10 (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, V, As, Be, Ba, and Cd) and PM2.5 (As, Pb) while TC, OC, and SOC in PM2.5 caused depreciation overall lung function. The exposure to biogenic and incidental PM nature are key cause of pulmonic dysfunction.

Performance Evaluation of Input Power of Diode Laser on Machined Leather Specimen in Laser Beam Cutting Process

Numerous industries, including footwear, handicrafts, and the automobile industry, utilize leather materials. The main goal of this study was to investigate the effect of input power of the diode laser in laser cutting on vegetable chrome tanned buffalo leather to enhance the cutting process. In the present investigation, carbonization, kerf width, and material removal rate (MRR) were taken as performance measures. The diode-based laser beam machining was designed and fabricated with 2.5 W, 5.5 W, and 20 W diode laser to cut vegetable chrome tanned leather. The high-intensity 20 W diode laser produced lower carbonization, lower kerf width, and higher material removal rate compared with the 2.5 W and 5.5 W diodes. This improved performance was due to the adjustable features associated with this diode laser actuation in the form of circular shape with adjustable diameter. A high power with a lower spot size under pulsed mode can produce higher power density. Since a higher power density can establish less interaction time, it produces lower carbonization. Due to the ability of the 20 W diode laser driver to control the beam shape and size, it could produce a lower kerf width and higher MRR. The optimal parameters for cutting chrome vegetable tanned cow leather were a standoff distance of 18 mm, feed rate of 200 mm/min, and duty cycle of 70%.

Potentially toxic elements in human scalp hair around China's largest polymetallic rare earth ore mining and smelting area

There is a growing concern about human health of residents living in areas where mining and smelting occur. In order to understand the exposure to the potentially toxic elements (PTEs), we here identify and examine the cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in scalp hair of residents living in the mining area (Bayan Obo, n = 76), smelting area (Baotou, n = 57) and a reference area (Hohhot, n = 61). In total, 194 hair samples were collected from the volunteers (men = 87, women = 107) aged 5-77 years old in the three areas. Comparing median PTEs levels between the young and adults, Ni levels were significantly higher in adults living in the smelting area while Cr was highest in adults from the mining area, no significant difference was found for any of the elements in the reference area. From the linear regression model, no significant relationship between PTEs concentration, log₁₀(PTEs), and age was found. The concentrations of Ni, Cd, and Pb in hair were significantly lower in the reference area when compared to both mining and smelting areas. In addition, Cu was significantly higher in the mining area when compared to the smelting area. Factor analysis (FA) indicated that men and women from the smelting area (Baotou) and mining area (Bayan Obo), respectively, had different underlying communality of log10(PTEs), suggesting different sources of these PTEs. Multiple factor analysis quantilized the importance of gender and location when combined with PTEs levels in human hair. The results of this study indicate that people living in mining and/or smelting areas have significantly higher PTEs (Cu, Ni, Cd, and Pb) hair levels compared to reference areas, which may cause adverse health effects. Remediation should therefore be implemented to improve the health of local residents in the mining and smelting areas.

Analysis of Carbon Formation on Machined Leather Specimen Using FTIR Technique in Laser Diode Assisted Cutting Process

The leather materials are used in a multitude of sectors, including footwear, apparel, handicrafts, and the automotive industry. Due to the radiant heat generated by a laser beam, the laser cutting of leather results in a carbonized cut edge. There is currently no technology available for measuring the carbonization along the contour edges of leather. The purpose of this experimental investigation was to determine the impact of power diode-based laser cutting on the carbonization of machined buffalo leather with the help of a digital microscope to improve the machining process. The ATR-FTIR spectrum was used to analyze the carbon-related functional group in the mid-IR spectrum of carbonized leather samples. It was found that the proposed method can measure the amount of carbon deposition in the cutting zone. The lower amplitude duty cycle with higher feed rate can reduce carbon formation owing to the lower thermal energy distribution. The amplitude (4.5 V), duty cycle (70%) and feed rate (90 mm/s) can produce optimal performance measures.

Heavy Metal in Rice and Vegetable and Human Exposure near a Large Pb/Zn Smelter in Central China

Non-ferrous metal smelting is a significant source of anthropogenic heavy metal emission and has led to severe environmental pollution that ultimately threatens the health of local residents. In this study, we determined concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), as well as Pb isotopic compositions in rice, vegetables and human hair in areas surrounding the Zhuzhou Pb/Zn smelter in Hunan, China and we assessed the health risks associated with rice and vegetable consumption for local residents. Results showed that rice and vegetable samples were significantly contaminated by Cd and Pb. Age and source of rice were important factors for the enrichment of heavy metal concentrations in human hair. The ratios of Pb isotopes in human hair (1.164-1.170 for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb and 2.102-2.110 for²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb) were comparable to those in rice (1.162-1.172 for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb and 2.098-2.114 for²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb) and were slightly lower than those in vegetables (1.168-1.172 for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb and 2.109-2.111 for²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb), indicating that Pb in human hair mainly originated from food ingestion. A non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed that Cd exposure was the dominant health risk for local residents. This study suggested that crops planted surrounding the smelter were seriously contaminated with Cd and human exposure was related to dietary intake.

Linking knowledge development with sustainable supply chain performance: mediating effects of innovativeness, proactiveness and risk taking

Purpose

The current study provides new insights into the relationships between knowledge development (KD) and sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP) by exploring the mediating effects of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in terms of innovativeness, proactiveness and risk taking.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by questionnaire survey from 242 manufacturing organizations. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that innovativeness and proactiveness have full mediating effects on the relationship between KD and SSCP. Though KD is negatively related to risk taking and has insignificant indirect effect on SSCP via risk taking, the mediating effect of risk taking remains moderate positive on the relationship between KD and SSCP.

Research limitations/implications

Given that the current study focuses on manufacturing sector, future research is needed for more comparative studies conducted in different sectors and cultural contexts. The negative link between KD and risk taking also warrants future investigation.

Practical implications

Organizations may reduce their level of risk taking due to the increase in KD. However, in order to enhance SSCP, risk taking is still needed as it mediates the relationship between KD and SSCP.

Originality/value

The mediating effects of innovativeness, proactiveness and risk taking on the relationship between KD and SSCP are unknown. Current study aims to address this gap.

The Health Impacts of Hazardous Chemical Exposures among Child Labourers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Of 218 million working children worldwide, many are suspected to be exposed to hazardous chemicals. This review aims to synthesize reported evidence over the last two decades on chemical exposure and adverse health consequences in children labourers in low- and middle-income Countries (LMIC). Included studies investigated health outcomes related to chemical exposures among child labourers aged 5-18 in LMIC. Twenty-three papers were selected for review, focusing on pesticides (n = 5), solvents (n = 3), metals (n = 13) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) (n = 2). Adverse health effects identified among child labourers included abnormal biomarkers, for example elevated blood and urine chemical concentrations, neurobehavioural deficits and neurological symptoms, mental health issues, oxidative stress and DNA damage, poor growth, asthma, and hypothyroidism. Workplace exposure to chemicals has pernicious health effects on child labourers. Large research gaps exist, in particular for long-term health impacts through chronic conditions and diseases with long latencies. A sizeable disease burden in later life is likely to be directly attributable to chemicals exposures. We urge national and international agencies concerned with child labour and occupational health, to prioritize research and interventions aiming to reduce noxious chemical exposures in workplaces where children are likely to be present.

Heavy metals in indoor dust: Spatial distribution, influencing factors, and potential health risks

Given the large proportion of time that people spend indoors, the potential health risks posed by heavy metals in the indoor environment deserve greater attention. A global-scale assessment of heavy metal contamination in indoor dust was conducted in this study based on >127 articles published between 1985 and 2019. The pollution levels, spatio-temporal variations, sources, bioaccessibilities, influencing factors, and health risks of heavy metals associated with indoor dust were analyzed. Children's blood lead levels (BLLs) were also estimated using the integrated exposure uptake biokinetic model. The results indicated that the median concentrations of Cu and Zn in 71.9% and 71.0% of the study sites surpassed the corresponding permissible limits, 100 and 300 mg/kg, respectively; thus, their control should be given priority. Heavy metal concentrations in indoor dust from different areas of the world varied greatly, which was closely associated with the type of local human activities, such as mining, melting, e-waste recycling and Pb-related industries. The bioaccessibilities of some key elements, e.g., Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn, in household dust were high. The levels of heavy metals in indoor dust were mainly affected by a combination of outdoor and indoor sources and related critical factors, and future studies should focus on quantifying the contributions of different sources. Based on the health risk assessment, dust Pb exposure is a major health concern in e-waste recycling areas, which warrants greater attention. 49.8%, 36.8% and 14.4% of study sites showed BLLs exceeding 35 μg/L (threshold limit in Germany), 50 μg/L (threshold limit in the USA), or 100 μg/L (threshold limit in China), respectively. Finally, Pb exposure from indoor dust represents a major contributor to children's blood Pb poisoning in many developing countries. This study details the overall heavy metal contamination status of indoor dust and provides insights for policymakers with respect to pollution prevention measures.

Metallic elements in human hair from residents in smelting districts in northeast China: Environmental factors and differences in ingestion media

The health of residents in Huludao City is affected by the emissions of heavy metals from smelting, diet and atmospheric precipitation. This study investigated the concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in scalp hair samples from 259 residents of different ages and genders from five districts in Huludao City and examined the main factors for heavy metal exposure. Cd and Pb concentrations in hair samples exceeded the normal concentration ranges for human hair (Cd < 0.3 mg/kg; Pb < 9.3 mg/kg), and the highest Pb concentrations were found in subjects in the age range 0-15 years. Samples from men were higher in Cd and Pb compared to those for women. Workers from the Huludao zinc plant (HZP) had higher concentrations of all metals in their hair relative to other occupations except for Cu. Geographically, the highest Cd and Pb concentrations in hair were found for residents living in Daochi district (DCD) and the Zn plant district (ZPD), respectively. In smelting regions, the effects of dust ingestion on heavy metal exposure were more important than in non-smelting regions.

Heavy metal toxicity from the leather industry in Bangladesh: a case study of human exposure in Dhaka industrial area

Activities in the Bangladeshi leather industries have the potential to cause chemical pollutions thereby deteriorating the working environments, the surrounding residential areas, or even foodstuffs. Therefore, it is important to determine the chemical exposures among the industry workers and residents of the surrounding areas who may be directly or indirectly impacted by the contaminated environment. This study focused on evaluating the hazard arising from exposure to metals due to industrial contamination. Tissue samples of hair and nails were collected from both the leather industry workers and residents in the vicinity of the industries. Using chromium as an indicator of contamination/exposure from the leather industry, it was the most significant metal contaminant for industry workers ranging from 21.85 to 483 mg/kg and for industry-neighboring residents at 6.01 to 296.16 mg/kg. Both the workers and neighboring residents were found to be excessively exposed (P < 0.05) to chromium compared with the investigated control group of people living in a distant village area which had no industrial establishments.

The Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility Practices and Environmental Factors through a Moderating Role of Social Media Marketing on Sustainable Performance of Firms’ Operating in Multan, Pakistan

This precise study performed a focalized investigation to examine the association of environmental effects, new product development performance, superior customers’ value, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on sustainable performance. This research study aimed to investigate how social media marketing application moderates the association between corporate social responsibility and sustainable performance of the firms located in Multan Division, Pakistan. This study applied a simple random sampling approach to execute this research, and the authors sent a questionnaire with an invitation letter and informed consent form to 752 respondents. Based on 548 valid responses from the targeted population, the first step was to screen and analyze data through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS-V25) and the Smart PLS V-3.2.8. The results indicated that corporate social responsibility presented a positive impact on firms’ sustainable performance. The findings also revealed that social media marketing tools moderated the relationship between CSR and sustainable production of business firms. As a final point, the study only included respondents from Multan Division, therefore, limiting the generalizability of the findings to other Pakistani business firms. The implications of this study may provide further directions for researchers and academicians to consider the larger sample size and the addition of new variables in other regions worldwide. The findings are useful for filling the gap between the relationship of environmental effects, CSR, and social media marketing application to calculate the sustainable performance of business firms.

The Impact of Entrepreneurial Business Networks on Firms’ Performance Through a Mediating Role of Dynamic Capabilities

This precise study is the first to perform a focalized investigation on the relationship between entrepreneurial business networks and sustainable performance of small firms. The entrepreneurial business network is a multifaceted business network of business firms, working together to achieve business objectives. Business relationships and firm aggregations are the main categories of entrepreneurial business networks, which help small and medium-sized enterprises to become more dynamic, innovative and competitive. The entrepreneurial business network is a networking, which provides a platform to build business relationships, identify, develop or act upon economic opportunities, share information and seek potential business partners for ventures. However, few studies have sought to understand the association of entrepreneurial business network (EBN) and firms’ sustainable performance in the context of Pakistan. This investigation aims to examine the relationship between EBN and small firms’ sustainable performance by applying the Smart PLS-SEM software V-3.2.8. This study explores how dynamic capabilities mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial business network and sustainable performance of small firms. The data received reports on small firms, manufacturing surgical instruments. The findings indicated that the entrepreneurial business network had a significant positive relationship with dynamic capabilities, which in turn presented a positive relation to a sustainable performance of small firms. By developing sustainable EBN, small firms can achieve sustainable performance by implementing dynamic capabilities in a competitive environment. The results affirmed that highly entrepreneurial firms showed a tendency to create a business network for achieving sustainable performance. The results also revealed that firms using business networks and dynamic capabilities efficiently; achieved their sustainable performance. The findings indicated that the study proposed a holistic and systematic model to achieve sustainable performance through firms’ dynamic capabilities. The generalizability of these findings provides useful insight and direction for future studies in Pakistan.

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.

Child labour and health: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to synthesise the available knowledge, identify unexplored areas and discuss general limits of the published evidence. We focused on outcomes commonly hypothesised to be affected by child labour: nutritional status, harmful exposures and injuries.

METHODS

Four electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, ISI Web of Science) were searched in November 2017. All articles published since 1996, without restrictions on language, were considered for inclusion.

RESULTS

Out of the 1090 abstracts initially identified by the search, 78 articles were selected for inclusion and reviewed. Most of the studies were conducted in Asia and South America, and only a third of them compared working children to a control group of non-working children. Child labour appears to be associated with poor nutritional status, diseases due to harmful exposures, and a higher prevalence of injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite evidence for a negative relation between child work and health, the cross-sectional design of most studies limits the causal interpretation of existing findings. More rigorous observational studies are needed to confirm and better quantify these associations.

Potential health risk of heavy metals in the leather manufacturing industries in Sialkot, Pakistan

This is a systematical report on the potential health risk of heavy metals from the leather industries in Pakistan based on multiple biological matrices of the exposed workers and indoor dust samples. The adverse impacts of heavy metals on the oxidative enzyme and their risks to workers' health were also explored. Our results indicated that the level of Cr in indoor industrial dust was more than twice, compared to the background household dust. Blood, urine and hair samples of exposed workers showed significantly high concentrations of heavy metals, compared to those in the control group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) level in the blood samples expressed significant positive correlation with Cr and Ni. Total hazard quotients (HQs)/hazard index (HI) were >1, and Cr (VI) exhibited higher cancer risks than that of Cd in the exposed workers. In addition, the PCA-MLR analysis confirmed that the industrial sections; cutting, shivering/crusting, and stitching were the principal contributors of heavy metals in the biological entities of the workers. Taken together, our results highlighted the occupationally exposed groups would likely to experience the potential health risks due to excessive exposure to the heavy metals from the leather industries.