Evaluation of the Situation of Some Tanneries in Cariri Paraibano

Brazil, the world leader in leather exports, processes around 42 million hides every year (MARTINES et al., 2010). The research was carried out in the district of Ribeira, in the municipality of Cabaceiras, PB, with geographical coordinates (7° 29¿ 21¿ South, 36° 17¿ 18¿ West). Questionnaires were administered to all the employees and owners of the three tanneries in the Ribeira district (Artesa, Duduca and Nordeste). The questionnaire was made up of the following items: Length of time the tannery has been in existence; Position of the respondent to the questionnaire in the tannery; Level of education; Sex; Age; Marital status; Number of children; Existence of minor helpers; Leather treatment procedure; Main tools used in leather treatment; Substances used throughout the leather treatment process; Use of any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); Existence of treatment of effluents generated in leather treatment; Destination of leather waste; Presence of accidents involving tannery employees; Knowledge of health education and promotion and Detection of occupational diseases.