Abstract

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Since the 1930s synthetic dyes and chemicals are being used in Nigeria where occupational dyers in Kano metropolis followed suit. Exposure to these chemicals may likely endanger the dyers depending on safety practices performed on the job and health effects may be exerted directly at the site of application (affecting workers) and/or later in the life cycle (affecting the consumers of the dyed articles). The aim of this paper is to assess chemical exposure, potential hazards, and safety practices related to occupational dyers in Kano metropolis. A structured questionnaire was administered among 1387 dyers and further information was obtained through focus group discussion and observation. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics (frequency and average) using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software. Findings revealed that health workers enlightened many dyers on chemical toxicity. Most of the dyers use adequate protection to avoid dermal contact but may be vulnerable to the effects of oral and inhalation exposure to chemicals, extreme heat, as well as musculo-skeletal illnesses. The dyers experienced symptoms related to occupational exposure to vat dyes and hydros and also suffered caustic soda burns in the past. The study recommends that relevant government agencies/ministries should test the toxicity of chemicals coming into the state, impose the provision of material safety data sheet by wholesale and retail colour vendors and make the use of complete personal protective equipment by the dyers mandatory.

Keywords: exposure, hazard, safety, Kano metropolis, vat dyes