A new Moroccan study reveals alarming health risks among Fez's traditional tannery workers, linking daily chemical exposure and poor hygiene to high rates of musculoskeletal, skin, and eye diseases. Researchers urge authorities to implement regular medical monitoring, safety training, and protective measures to safeguard the artisans behind Morocco's centuries-old leather craft. Traditional leather tanneries in Morocco are centuries-old open-air factories that preserve an ancestral craft sustaining the country's renowned leather craftsmanship. Some of these tanneries have also become major tourist attractions over the years, notably the Chouara tannery, the oldest and largest of Fez's three tanneries, whose vivid dye pits continue to fascinate visitors despite their overpowering smell. For workers, however, what they have grown accustomed to smelling every day hides more serious dangers. A new epidemiological study reveals alarming levels of chemical exposure and work-related illnesses among Morocco's traditional tannery workers. Conducted in 2019 and extended in 2022 by researchers from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and the Social and Solidarity Economy, the study is the first in Morocco to include both medical examinations and blood analyses of tannery workers. Manual handling of chemicals, poor hygiene, and lack of safety gear Researchers examined 220 workers from Fez' three traditional tanneries, where the tanning process still relies on artisanal methods that use large quantities of acids, alkalis, and salts to transform raw hides into leather. These chemicals, including chromium, lime, benzene, arsenic, and ammonium compounds, emit toxic fumes and residues that endanger both workers and the environment. «Manual handling of chemicals, poor hygiene, and long exposure times are key factors behind the diseases we observed», the researchers noted, adding that 96% of workers never used protective equipment. The study found that 50.9% of workers suffered from musculoskeletal disorders, caused by repetitive bending and lifting of heavy, soaked hides. 39.5% experienced genitourinary problems, likely due to poor sanitation and biological exposure; 30.4% had dermatological diseases; 24.5% suffered from eye conditions linked to contact with corrosive materials; while 16.8% reported respiratory disorders and 14.1% experienced digestive issues. Many workers showed multiple symptoms simultaneously, from back pain and eczema to chronic coughs and vision loss. Statistical analysis revealed that working in a humid environment triples the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, while not wearing protective gear increases skin disease risk sixfold. Beyond chemical hazards, tanners are exposed to biological agents such as raw hides and pigeon droppings, which may transmit pathogens like Leptospira or Chlamydia psittaci. The study also found a strong link between such exposure and urinary infections. Older workers, especially those over 40, were more prone to eye diseases, with prolonged contact with lime and ammonia increasing the risk eightfold. Yet only 4% reported using gloves, boots, or masks and none wore protective eyewear. A Call for Urgent Action The researchers urged Moroccan authorities to take immediate preventive measures, including: - Regular medical monitoring and vaccination against leptospirosis, hepatitis B, and tetanus. - Annual testing of air and chemical concentrations in tanneries. - Mandatory personal protective equipment and safety training for workers. - Recognition of tanning-related diseases as occupational illnesses eligible for compensation. They also recommended awareness campaigns on hygiene, fire safety, and emergency procedures, arguing that «simple preventive actions could drastically reduce health risks and improve tannery conditions across Morocco and other artisanal settings in Africa». While acknowledging the cultural importance and tourism appeal of Fez's tanneries, the authors warn against overlooking their human cost, stressing that preserving Morocco's artisanal legacy must go hand in hand with protecting the health and safety of its workers.
