[Hazardous health effects in communal waste collection and disposal workers]

Abstract

This paper presents a review of the current literature concerning health impact of communal waste in people occupationally involved in waste collection and disposal. No studies have been as yet carried out in this regard. This review indicates that the main hazards for workers collecting and disposing communal wastes comprise organic dust with adsorbed micro-organisms, endotoxins, and numerous organic and inorganic chemicals. The major health effects associated with the job performed include injuries caused by work-related accidents and diseases. Among the most frequent diseases there are allergic and other diseases of the respiratory system, as well as musculo-skeletal, gastro-intestinal and infectious diseases. Complex hygiene assessment and control of work conditions are difficult due to the lack of hygiene standards for micro-organisms and endotoxins in the air of the workplace. No studies have been carried out thus far in Poland regarding exposure and health effects in workers collecting and disposing communal wastes. According to the information available, this problem concerns several thousands employees.