The Effect of Chromium Exposure on Creatinine and Bun Level of Tanners in Leather Industry in Magetan

Abstract

Chromium in the leather tanning industry can have an impact on workers’ health. Kidney disease is often referred

to as a side effect from exposure to chromium. Measurement of creatinine and BUN level is a method of examining

kidney function.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of chromium exposure on creatinine and BUN level in leather

tanning workers in small leather industry in Magetan. This type of research is observational with cross sectional

design. The sample of the study was 13 exposed worker groups namely chromium operators and 13 unexposed

groups namely administrative workers.

The results showed that there were differences in the average levels of urine chromium in chromium operators

and administrative workers (p-value = 0,000), there were differences in the average creatinine levels in chromium

operators and administrative workers (p-value = 0,031), and there were no difference in the average level of BUN

in chromium operators and administrative workers (p-value = 0,644). There were no influence of chromium levels

in urine on the increase in creatinine levels (p-value = 0,189) and BUN (p-value = 0,854) in tanning workers, with a

significance value of p-value> 0,05.

The conclusion of this study had that chromium was no effect on creatinine and BUN levels. High levels

of urine chromium in tanning workers indicate a health risk that requires control effort. Suggestion given is

that the tanners need periodic health examination, keep personal hygiene before and after working as well

as using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).