Assessment of Health Hazards of the Goldsmiths in Tantibazar Area of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Aims: To find out the major occupational health issues among the goldsmiths and its’ causative factors, The study also aims to identify the study populations’ health risks in line with their work type, and to estimate the proportion of the goldsmiths vulnerable to those health risks.

Study Design: It is a survey research.

Place and Duration of Study: Goldsmith clusters at Tantibazar in Dhaka, Bangladesh, between March 2011 and June 2014.

Methodology: Focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted among 2 focus groups in Tantibazar goldsmith cluster. Each of the groups consisted of 20 respondents. Besides, library search and internet browsing have also been done.

Results: Almost 70% of the goldsmiths work in soldering unit followed by 12% in polishing unit, 6% in cutting unit, 4% in refining unit, 3% in enameling unit and setting unit each, and 2% in designing unit. Many hazardous substances are used in these working units, such as Cd, HNO3, H2SO4. The dusts and fumes generated from these hazardous substances pose various health hazards to the artisans. About 92% goldsmiths are exposed to cold fever, weakness and suffocation, 86% are exposed to jaundice/liver problems and diarrhea each, 84% are exposed to headache and 80% are exposed to dehydration as immediate health hazards. Among the long term health impacts, about 94% goldsmiths are exposed to vision problem, 93% are exposed to back pain, 92% are exposed to respiratory diseases, 86% have health vulnerability to constipation and piles problems, and 16% and 12% goldsmiths are exposed to dermatitis and dental carries respectively.

Conclusion: The gold jewelry manufacturing process followed in Tantibazar involve a number of health hazards. But the goldsmiths are not getting proper attention regarding improving their environmental health issues. The responsible authority also does not provide any facility in respect to their health issues.