Raj Dip Lama
* Project Coordinator -
   WATO NEPAL
* GIP Project   Coordinator/ Investigator for Nepal
[Global Inventory Project]

What is Tanning?

Tanning is the chemical process that converts animal hides and skins into leather. The term hide is used for the skin of large animals (e.g., cows or horses), while skin is used for that of small animals (e.g., sheep).

Different types of chemicals used in Tanning process, mainly, Hexavelent Chromium is highly carcionogenic. Unfortunately, Tanning Industries operating in Nepal are found to be discharging huge amount of untreated waste nearby the river system and communities, thus, posing threat to human health and environment

Health Impact

These river receive a huge amount of untreated industrial waste from the Tanning Industries.
People use the river water for several purposes: irrigation, swimming (mostly children), bathing, washing dishes and clothes.
There is a high risk of this hazardous waste water getting mixed up with the ground water, which is drawn out by the locals using tube wells and dug wells for drinking.
The overall area consists of agricultural fields, residential areas and major pathways. Most people working in the fields do not use any safety measures and come directly into contact with the soil. People, mostly children, walk barefoot.
Hazardous wastes dumped outside the industry area produce very strong and foul odor.

• Respiratory Problem

• Skin related diseases

• nasal septum perforation

• dermatitis

• gangrene