Sean Gallagher Archive

Leather Industry Pollution - Kanpur, india

Rakesh, 16, strokes a piece of leather in the factory where he works in the India city of Kanpur. He suddenly lost the sight in his left eye as a child and is one of many people in the area suffering from health development issues. The city is notorious for having some of the country's worst water pollution which is created by the local leathery tannery industry. Waste water laced with toxins, such as chromium, is discharged in local waterways and agricultural land which is used many residents who live in the nearby area. An array of health problems now afflict locals who have worked in the tanneries, or use the local water. Health effects have included cancers, mental health problems, child development issues and skin diseases.

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Copyright: Sean Gallagher
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Contained in galleries: The Toxic Price of Leather - Kanpur, India [2013]

Rakesh, 16, strokes a piece of leather in the factory where he works in the India city of Kanpur. He suddenly lost the sight in his left eye as a child and is one of many people in the area suffering from health development issues. The city is notorious for having some of the country's worst water pollution which is created by the local leathery tannery industry. Waste water laced with toxins, such as chromium, is discharged in local waterways and agricultural land which is used many residents who live in the nearby area. An array of health problems now afflict locals who have worked in the tanneries, or use the local water. Health effects have included cancers, mental health problems, child development issues and skin diseases.