Estimation of Cobalt Level in Blood, Hair and Nails of Leather Industry Workers in Sialkot

Pakistan's leather industry, which plays a crucial role in the country's export profits, is confronted with environmental challenges arising from the generation of waste, particularly from tanning procedures that contain high levels of heavy metal pollutants. This study, carried out at the University of Sialkot, Department of Zoology, specifically examines the detrimental consequences of high cobalt exposure among workers. The objective of the experiment was to quantify the concentrations of cobalt in blood, hair, and nail samples obtained from people employed in the Sialkot leather sector. A total of 40 samples were taken from both industrial workers and a control group. Samples of blood, hair, and nails were obtained and processed in the laboratory, then examined using Agilent technology 5110.ICP.OES. The cobalt concentration in the blood of workers in the leather sector is 0.029µg/dl, in hair it is 0.0228µg/g, and in nails it is 0.02375µg/g. By comparison, the levels of cobalt in the control group's blood samples were 0.001µg/dl, in their hair samples were 0.0035µg/g, and in their nail, samples were -0.0008µg/g. These findings emphasize the greater susceptibility to health problems among workers who are exposed to high levels of cobalt in leather industries. This study functions as a vital instrument for raising awareness, highlighting the critical demand for public comprehension of the harmful effects of heavy metals. The findings offer useful information to leather sector workers in Sialkot, assisting in protecting against probable illnesses resulting from cobalt exposure.